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illustrent  la  m6thode. 


1  2  3 


1 

2 

3 

5 

6 

•ImaX^    nyi 


vv^^^ 


U^4  6   eytex. 


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I 


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'^•AlAwJIB.BW^ 


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FRONTENAC 


# 


POEM  OF  THE  IROQUOIS 


ALFRED  B.  STREET 


ALBANY 
JOEL   MUNSELL 

MDCCOLXVr 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congrees  in  the  year  1800, 

Bt  ALnutD  B.  Btrzkt, 

In  tbo  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Cknirt  of  the  United  States,  for  the 

Northern  District  of  New  York. 


REFACE. 

Our  talo  is  based  upon  the  fol- 
lowing chapter  of  history.  In  the 
month  of  June,  1 096,  Count  Fron- 
tonac,  then  Governor-General  of 
Canada,  assembled  an  army  at  La- 
chine,  a  few  miles  from  Montreal, 
for  an  expedition  against  the  Iroquois,  who,  from  the 
earliest  settlement  of  the  province,  had  been  inimical  to 
the  French. 

I'he  army  consisted  of  the  regular  troops,  the  hahilans 
or  militia  of  the  province,  and  some  of  the  Indian  tribes, 
who  were  the  allies  of  the  French,  and  who  entertained 
an  hereditary  hatred  against  Ih'  Iroquois,  by  reason  of 
their  nations  having,  in  former  i'u  ,e3,  been  conquered 
by  the  Confederacy.  Frontenac,  with  this  army,  as- 
cended the  St.  Lawrence,  in  bateaux  and  canoes,  carry- 
ing with  him,  in  addition  to  light  arms,  cannon,  mortars, 
and  grenades.  Making  the  customary  portage*,  he 
reached  Lake  Ontario,  coasted  its  eastern  waters,  as- 
cended the  Oswego  River,  crossed  Onondaga  Lake,  and 


vin 


Preface. 


cncam^)ed  upon  its  borders.  lie  then  plunged,  witli  liis 
forces,  into  tho  vast  wilderness,  in  search  nt'  the  Iroquois. 
Arriving  at  tho  principal  castle  or  village  of  the  Onon- 
dagns,  into  whose  particular  canton  or  country  he  had 
pcnctrotcd,  he  found  it  deserted.  I'utdiing  further  then 
into  tho  wildornesw,  Frontenae  discovered  nothing  of  his 
wild  enemies,  and  finally,  in  disappointment ,  ho  retraced  his 
march.  On  his  return  path,  however,  tho  Iroquois  way- 
laid his  steps,  killed  a  number  of  his  men,  and  did  not 
cease  their  attacks  until  he  had  entirely  loft  their  territory. 

The  Iroquois  ut  that  tiii.o  consisted  of  five  nations, 
viz.:  tho  Mohawks,  Oueidas,  Cayugaa,  Onondagos,  and 
Senecas,  occupying  a  territory  which  thoy  figuratively 
called  their  Long  House,  extending  from  cast  to  west 
over  what  is  now  the  State  of  New  York,  from  the  Lakes 
Erie  and  Ontario  to  the  Hudson  Uiver. 

These  Indian  nations  had  banded  themselves  into  a 
League  or  Confederacy,  at  first  for  protection  against 
their  common  enemies,  continuing  it  afterwards  for  con- 
quest. Tho  time  of  the  formation  of  this  League  is  not 
known,  but  is  supposed  to  have  been  ages  before  the 
white  man  appeared  among  them,  and  it  has  given 
birth,  on  account  of  its  value  and  importance,  as  well  as 
its  being  involved  in  the  mist  of  uncertainty,  to  u,  wild 
mythology  concerning  it  among  themselves. 

When  Champlain  first  came  to  (Quebec,  he  found  the 


PnEFACE. 


Confodorncy  at  war  with  tlio  Ilurons  nnd  Adirondaoks, 
then  warlike  and  powerful  natiouH.  Having  allied  himself 
to  the  AdirondaokH,  ho  joined  them  in  an  expedition  against 
the  Iroquois ;  and,  by  reason  of  the  fire-arms  ho  carried,  then 
totally  unknown  to  the  warriors  of  tho  Confederacy,  ho  was 
the  means  of  defeating  tho  latter  on  tho  borders  of  tho  very 
lake  which  now  bears  his  name,  This  kindled  an  animosity 
against  tho  French  on  the  part  of  tho  Iroquois,  which  was 
never  forgotten.  Receiving,  a  few  years  afterwards,  fire- 
arms in  their  turn  from  the  Dutch,  who,  in  tho  meanwhile, 
had  penetrated  the  forests  along  tho  Hudson  and  Mohawk 
Rivers  in  New  York,  the  confederated  warriors  commenced 
their  attacks  upon  tho  French  at  every  post  and  settlement. 
So  serious  did  their  inroads  become,  that  at  times  the 
very  province  itself  was  in  jeopardy.  And  not  only  did 
those  warlike  savages  annoy  the  French,  but  they  turned 
thoir  arms  against  all  the  neighboring  tribes,  driving  tho 
Hurons  and  Adirondaoks,  their  former  rivals,  from  thoir 
villages  and  hunting-grounds,  and  absolutely  extermin- 
ating many  of  tho  savage  nations  around  them.  Push- 
ing their  conquests  in  all  directions,  they  at  length 
mastered  every  Indian  tribe  residing,  not  only  in  New 
York,  but  every  other,  as  far  us  Carolina  to  the  south, 
and  the  Mississippi  to  the  west.  The  Governors-General 
of  Canada  made  frequent  incursions  into  their  territory 
or  Long   House,  but  those  incursions  only  served  to 


,  '- 


X  Prefaob. 

BtiinaUte  tho  wrath  of  those  haughty  and  powerful  RavagoR, 
without  woakoning  thoir  Htrongth  or  diiuiniithing  their 
power.  That  strength  and  power  had  arrived  at  their 
height  when  Frontouac  took  the  reins  of  uouiniuud  for  the 
second  time,  in  ltf!^9.  The  Iroquois  iiad  now  assuuiod  so 
threatening  an  attitude,  that  this  stern  and  proud  noble 
thought  it  advisable  to  penetrate  tiioir  fastnesses  and  crush 
them,  if  possible,  at  a  blow.  IIuuco  the  expedition  above 
detailed,  which  was,  however,  iis  fruitlc!<M  as  those  of  the 
former  Qovernors-Qencral  l)e  La  liarrc  and  Do  Nonvillo. 
In  the  meanwhile  tho  Confederacy  (its  good-will  and 
friendship  having  been  trauafcrrod  by  thu  Dutoh  to  the 
English)  proved  itself  as  faithful  to  Corlcar,  the  name  it 
gave  to  tho  English  Governor,  as  hostile  to  You-non-dc- 
yoh,  its  title  for  the  Governor-General  of  tho  French. 
Consequently,  in  1776,  when  tho  war  of  the  Revolution 
broke  out,  true  to  their  old  friendship,  the  Iroquois  sided 
with  England.  This  led  to  tho  expedition  of  Sullivan, 
the  American  General,  into  the  heart  of  their  country. 
Sullivan  desolated  their  fields,  destroyed  thoir  villages, 
and  exterminated  the  warriors  they  brought  against  him. 
From  this  period  they  began  to  decline.  AVith  the  re- 
turn of  peace,  civilization  commenced  hewing  down  thoir 
forests,  and  taking  possession  of  their  hunting-grounds ; 
and  the  unwelcome  sight  of  tho  Pale-face  met  them  in 
every  direction  beside  thoir  beautiful  streams  and  roman- 


Prbfach. 


t!o  lakes.  Thoir  Long  Houm,  to  luo  thoir  own  pnthotio 
IauKun((0,  wa8  broken  open  at  both  undii,  and  tho  HtorniH 
of  dcMtruotion  made  it  dcHolato  for  over.  Tho  Mohawks 
abandoned  thoir  lovely  valley  in  a  body,  and  Bottled  upon 
Grand  Ilivor,  in  Canada,  on  territory  granted  them  by 
tho  liritish  Qovernment.  The  rent  of  tho  Confedoraey, 
although  it  had  boon  proviouHly  inoreoBed  by  tho  accoB- 
nion  of  tho  Tdsoaroras,  a  reclaimed  original  tribo,  grudu- 
oily  diminiBhed,  and  hoa  Htill  continued  to  i'  to  away 
until  now  only  a  fow  individualH  remain,  haunting  their 
Bmiling  valleyg,  and  hovering  around  their  sparkling 
watorB,  migorablo  spectres  of  the  former  groatnosB  of  the 
Irociuois.  A  fow  more  yciirs,  and  oven  they  will  disap- 
pear. Tho  memory  of  tho  Confederacy  only  will  remain 
to  furniNh  fit  theme  for  song  and  story,  and  ono  more 
melaneholy  instance  of  a  once  powerful  ond  happy  people 
entirely  disappearing  from  the  face  of  the  earth. 


CONTENTS 


CANTO  FIRST. 
Lvl -^iJ-B  — Fhontenao 


FAOB 

.    1 


CANTO  SECOND. 

TiiE  Iroquois — The  Canadian  Spring— Toe  Peace 
Belt— ON-oN-DAn-OAii — TiiBAi-o-TA-no — Tiie 
Robin  —  The  Messaog  —  Queuec  —  The  Calumet — 
Tub  Talk 33 


CANTO  THIRD. 

The  War   Sono  — The  IIunteks  —  Tnn  Bateau  — 
The  Cauionan  Village — The  Bhiqantine       .        .    (il 


CANTO  FOURTH. 

The  Thanksgivino  Danck — The  Dance  ok  the  Great 
SriHiT  —  Koi.Aii  —  The  Exi'hdition  —  The  Bivouac 
—  The  Adduction- The  ItEscuE  and  Death 


8!l 


CANTO  FIFTH. 

The  Inn  ok  the  Canoe— Wk-an-dah  — The  Summons 
—  The    Kncami'ment  —  The    March  .  125 


Xiv 


Contents. 


CANTO  SIXTH. 


PAOI 


TnK  WAn- Hatchet— The  Wilderness— The  Cata- 
iiACT— The  Senecas- Leapino  Pantiieb— Cat- 
COA  Lake  — The  Caycoas  —  The  Onkida8  — The 
STBAWBEnBY  Dance  — The  Canoe  Votaob— The 
Mohawks'  Scalp  Dance 153 

CANTO  SEVENTH. 

The  March — The  War-Dance — The  Council — The 
Quarrel  — The  Priestess— The  Sacred  Flame      .  189 

CANTO  EIGHTH. 

The  Mahch— The  Meeting- The  March  — The 
Moccasin-Print— The  Niqiit- Watch       .       .       .327 


CANTO  NINTH. 

The  Battle  —  The  Torture —The  Defiance  —  The 
Death  — Frontknac— Mass  FOR  THE  Dead       .       .  255 


CANTO    FIRST. 


LUCILLE, 
PRONTENAC. 


.^l^f" 


fWW)i)«>'*fW»i 


CANTO  FIRST. 


LUCILLE. 


WAS  in  June's  bright  and  glowing  prime 
The  loveliest  of  the  summer  time. 
The  laurels  were  one  splendid  sheet 

Of  crowded  blossom  everywhere ; 
The  locust's  clustered  pearl  was  sweet, 

And  the  tall  whitewood  made  the  air 
Delicious  with  the  fragrance  shed 
From  golden  flowers  all  o'er  it  spread. 


n. 


In  the  rich  pomp  of  dying  day 

Quebec,  the  rock-throned  monarch,  glowed  ■ 
Castle  and  spire  and  dwelling  gray 
The  batteries  rude  that  niched  their  way 
Along  the  cliflF,  beneath  the  play 
Of  the  deep  yellow  light,  were  gay. 
And  the  curved  flood,  below  that  lay, 

In  flashing  glory  flowed ; 


Frontenac. 

Beyond,  the  sweet  and  mellow  smile 
Beamed  upon  Orleans'  lovely  isle; 

Until  the  downward  view 
Was  closed  by  mountain-tups  that,  reared 
Against  the  burnished  sky,  appeared 

In  misty  dreamy  hue. 


Ill, 

West  of  Quebec's  embankments  rose 
The  forests  in  their  wild  repose. 
Between  the  trunks,  the  radiance  slim 

Here  came  with  slant  and  quivering  blaze ; 
Whilst  there,  in  leaf-wreathed  arbors  dim, 

Was  gathering  gray  the  twilight's  haze. 
Where  cut  the  boughs  the  back-ground  glow 

That  striped  the  west,  a  glittering  belt, 
The  leaves  transparent  seemed,  as  though 

In  the  rich  radiance  they  would  melt. 


im 


.IV. 

Upon  a  narrow  grassy  glade. 

Where  thickets  stood  in  grouping  shade. 

The  light  streaked  down  in  golden  mist. 

Kindled  the  shrubs,  the  greensward  kissed, 

Until  the  clover-blossoms  white 

Flashed  out  like  spangles  largo  and  bright. 


This  green  and  sun-streaked  glade  was  rife 
With  hights  and  sounds  of  forest  life. 


Lucille. 

A  robin  in  a  bush  was  singing, 

A  flicker'*'  rattled  on  a  tree ; 
In  liquid  fife-liko  tones  round  ringing 

A  thrasherf  piped  its  melody ; 
Crouching  and  leaping  with  pointed  ear 

From  thicket  to  thicket  a  rabbit  sped, 
And  on  the  short  delicate  grass  a  deer 

Brushing  the  insects  from  off  him,  fed. 


vr. 

Sudden  he  paused  with  lifted  foot, 
Then,  like  an  arrow,  away  he  shot; 

Robin  and  flicker  and  thrasher  were  mute ;. 
The  rabbit  glided  from  the  spot  — 

The  next  an  Indian,  from  the  shade, 

Came  bounding  out  upon  the  glade. 


vn. 

A  warrior  was  he,  armed  for  strife. 
With  tomahawk  and  scalping  knife 

Thrust  through  his  wampum-belt  j 
The  long  lock  crowned  his  shaven  head; 
Bare,  save  the  bolt,  his  form  of  red, 
And  where  around  his  loins  was  spread 

A  stripe  of  shaggy  felt. 


•The  goldeii-\rlnged  woodpecker  of  the  American  forotta. 
tThe  brown  thmsh  of  the  Bomo. 


Frontknac. 


VIII. 

With  head  aside  he  stood  intout 
An  instant,  then  ho  stooped  and  bent 

His  oar  upon  the  ground; 
Then  looking  forth  with  piercing  eye, 
Entered  a  laurel  thicket  nigh 
So  subtly,  to  the  breeze's  sigh 

More  motion  'twould  have  found. 


IX. 

Silence  fell  deeply  down  once  more, 

Till  fluttering  sounds  among  the  trees 
Told  that  the  woodland  fright  was  o'er 

And  soon  would  swell  fresh  harmonies. 
The  robin's  warble  was  renewed. 

The  flicker's  hammer  tapped  again. 
And  once  more  through  the  solitude 

Hang  out  the  thriiHher's  splendid  strain  ; 
But  the  sweet  sounds  had  scarcely  filled 
The  place,  wTieu  they  again  were  stilled. 
On  the  green  glade  two  figures  came ; 
One  of  a  tall  and  stalwart  frame, 
With  sword  and  ])lume  and  martial  air; 

The  other  scarce  ibur  summers  old, 
Whose  coal-black  eyes  and  raven  hair 

And  features  —  though  of  loveliest  mould,- 
O'cr-tintcd  with  a  light  red  shade. 
Blood  of  the  native  race  betrayed. 


a 


LUOILLB. 


The  soldier,  on  tho  gross  reclined, 

Viewed  tho  glud  gambols  of  the  child. 
Who,  to  each  impulse  of  her  mind, 

Now,  gave  her  shout  of  pleasure  wild. 
As  the  rich  red-bird  in  his  flight 
Passed  with  a  flash  some  streak  of  light 

Slanted  in  hazy  sheen  ; 
And  now,  with  footstep  bounding  free, 
Chased  tho  fleet  squirrel  to  its  tree. 

Across  the  sylvan  scene. 


XI. 

Tired  with  her  sports,  at  length  the  girl 
Paused  at  the  leaning  soldier's  side, 

Brushed  from  his  brow  a  silvery  curl. 
And  then  her  panting  eff'orts  plied. 

Until  she  bared  his  glittering  brand, 

And  sought  to  poise  it  in  her  hand. 


XII. 

Closer  the  child  the  senior  drew 

And  with  delight  carressed  her  head; 

"Thou  would'st  have  been  a  soldier  too 
Had'st  thou  been  born  a  boy ! "  he  said ; 

"  Thy  sire's  brave  blood  within  thee  glows 

Too  strong  for  peaceful  dull  repose ; 
3 


Frontenao. 

And  tlio  wild  nature  I  o«py 
Of  thy  rod  mothor  in  thino  cyo. 
LiHtun  t     I'll  tell  the  tnio  again 

I  told  thco  ycstcr-ninht, 
When  proudly  on  tho  bnttlo  plain 

Franco  stemmed  tho  dreadful  fight, 
And  heard  at  laut  tho  clarion  strain 

Of  victory  crown  her  might! 
'And  then  coranicnced  tho  legend  old : 

Tho  girl's  red  features  flushed  more  rod, 
Brightened  her  cyo  nioro  wild  and  bold 

As  on  tho  story  sped, 
Until  with  sight  that  fairly  blazed, 
Tho  blade  with  both  her  hands  she  raised 

And  waved  it  o'er  her  head. 


XIII. 

At  the  first  words,  a  thicket's  screen 

Had  moved  behind  the  pair, 
.\nd  then  two  eyeballs  fierce  and  keen 

Like  spots  of  fire  gleamed  there ; 
Out  came  a  scalp-lock  —  then  a  head  — 
Then  WHS  put  forth  an  arm  of  red, 
And,  like  the  cowering  panther's  tread, 
Tho  Indian  left  his  lair. 


XIV. 


Stilly,  as  glides  o'er  earth  a  shade 
From  bush  to  bush  along  the  glade 


LVOILLB. 

Tho  Btoalthy  Bavngo  wont: 
A  Htiap,  tho  girl  half  turned;  his  orouoh 
VVaa  liko  tho  Hpidor's,  when  a  touch 

Its  filmy  Hnaro  has  ront. 
Then,  rising  from  behind  tho  bank 
Where  for  an  instant's  spaoo,  ho  sank, 

Again  ho  glided  low; 
The  troiublo  of  tho  loaves  and  gross 
Tolling  alone  his  snako-liko  pass, 

So  viewless,  silent,  slow. 


XV. 

Near  and  more  near,  with  eyes  of  flame, 
Tho  Indian  creeping,  creeping,  came, 

Until  ho  pauHcd  and  drew 
His  hatchet,  then  leaned  quickly  back 
And  from  his  clutch  in  whirling  track 

Tho  glittering  weapon  flew; 
It  fell  upon  tho  soldier's  head, 
Who,  as  gushed  out  a  stream  of  red. 
Groaned  deep,  and  started  from  his  bed 

Convulsive  to  his  knee; 
In  vain,  in  vain ;  tho  hatchet  drank 
Again  his  blood,  and  down  ho  sank 

Beneath  his  enemy. 
And,  as  in  pangs  of  parting  life 

Tho  quivering  soldier  lay, 
The  savage  drew  his  gleaming  knife 

And  wrenched  tho  scalp  away. 


■I 


10  FRONTn*A«. 


XVI. 

Tho  ohild.  trnnsfixoJ  in  nnito  surprUe, 
Had  viewed  tho  occiiu  with  Htaring  oyos; 
Uut,  08  tho  fcHrful  Indian  xhrod 
Tho  Bcalp  from  off  thiit  hiinori'<l  head, 

Then,  wniconod  from  her  trance. 
Lifting  tho  weapon,  at  tho  i'ou 
She  leaped,  and  sought  to  uim  hor  blow 

With  Htern  dufying  gluuco. 


1 


xvir. 

The  Harago  gaied ;  ocroKN  liix  brow 

A  look  gleamed  proud  and  high ; 
'Twaa  rivid  admiration  now 

That  glittered  in  his  eye ; 
And  with  a  guttural  of  delight, 
Tho  ehild,  again  o'crwhelim-l  with  fright. 

But  holding  still  tho  *'!  do. 
Ho  swept  upon  his  xtnlwart  orin, 
And,  aa  Hhc  Hhricked  in  wild  alarm. 

Plunged  with  her  in  the  i«hado, 
Leaving  the  Bceno  to  it,s  rcposo 
In  tho  soft  hue  of  twilight's  close. 


XVIII. 


Over  the  gladc  the  ladened  bee 
Darted  straight  forward  to  its  tree ; 
Kach  bird  low  twittered  on  its  perch  ; 
Tho  night-liawk  flow  in  jarring  i<caroh 


Frontkwao. 

Tho  crow  flapped  o'or  with  Milomn  oroi»k ; 
Tho  fro>{  itM  olaniornuH  pi  pin);  woko ; 
Tlio  wolf  drew  out  Imh  piniiitivo  howl; 
8houtod,  in  pauHOK  briuf,  tho  owl ; 
Ilor  wiiil  Hot  up  tho  whippoorwill; 
The  troo-toad  swolicd  ItH  hollow  trill, 
Tho  flro-fliott  nhud,  in  thickciiin);  flight, 
Thoir  nold-nroon  intorniittont  li^ht 
Until  tho  );ray  and  ({limmeriuK  h:\to 
With  fiiiry  uiotoorH,  Hcomud  iibliiMj 
And  ouco  nnothor  doer  Htoppod  oi,  *y 
liut  08  ho  Htoopcd  to  toed,  about 

llo  sworved  with  «nort  of  'Irwitl, 
And  through  tho  darkening;  f»xssttt  wasto 
Dnshod  far  owoy  in  fronziod  hasto  — 

Thoro  lay  tho  bloody  dead. 


u 


FRONTENAC. 


XIX. 

Reared  on  the  cliff,  at  tho  very  brink, 
Whence  a  pebble  dropped  would  sink 
Four-score  feet  to  the  slope  below, 
Tho  Castlo  of  St.  Louis  caught 
Dancing  hues  of  delicate  pink. 

With  which  the  clouds  o'crhead  were  fra  ight 
From  the  rich  sunset's  streaming  glow. 


12 


Frontenac. 


XX. 


Opposite,  in  tlio  soft  warm  li;;lit 
The  Recollcts'  steeple  glittered  briprht; 
And  tipped  with  ptld  was  the  ('onvent  by, 
Whilst  both  threw  ii  mantle  of  raven  dye 

The  broad  Place  d'Annes  across, 
Tliat  up  to  the  massive  curtain  lay, 
Save  where  a  slantinj;  and  ha/.y  ray. 
Shooting  between  the  buildings  gray. 

Streaked  it  with  yellow  gloss; 
The  bastions  threw  on  the  Castle  court 
('rescents  of  shade,  whilst  the  sallyport 

Open,  was  filled  with  a  golden  glare 
That  made  the  sentinel's  cuirass  glow 
With  transient  flashing,  as  to  and  fro 

Trod  he  monotonous  tlierc. 

XXI. 

Within  a  room  of  tlie  Castle,  bright 

From  a  ray  of  rich  ruby  light, 

That  caused  great  tremulous  blots  to  fall 

On  raftered  ceiling  and  <iaken  wall. 

And  touched  flio  weapons  in  nooks  arranged. 

Till  keen  <|uick  winkings  they  exchanged, 

Frontenac  sat  at  a  massive  desk, 

Carved  all  over  with  shapes  grotosque. 

XXII. 

Amund  him  wore  splendor  and  rudeness  at  strife. 
Signs  of  the  savage  and  civilized  life. 


I     -H 


Frontenac.  13 

Ilore  branched,  for  Boino  {i;ay  gnrinciit's  use, 
The  broad  flat  autk'rs  of  tho  iiioo«e ; 
There,  o'er  Homo  p.iiittiug  rich  were  hung 
Wampum  in  varied  colors  strung; 
Whilst  moccasin  and  blanket  rod 
By  corslet  and  steel  pike  were  spread. 

XXIII. 

A  will,  restraint  that  could  not  brook. 
And.  pride  that  downward  Irowncd  on  all. 

Gleamed  in  his  stern  and  haughty  look 
And  breathed  around  his  figure  tall, 

Although  his  bended  eye  and  brow 

Were  fixed  in  anxious  musing  now. 

XXIV. 

The  Iroquois  in  their  dread  and  might 
Stood  frowning  in  his  mental  .sight ; 
Onward  and  onward  their  power  had  pressed ; 
Upward  aiul  upward  had  risen  their  crest ; 
Nought  in  the  wood.s  now  (heir  might  could  oppose, 
Nought  could  withstand  tlieir  confederate  blows; 
Banded  in  strength  and  tniited  in  soul, 
They  moved  on  their  course  with  the  cataract's  roll. 

XXV. 

Wherever  tho  banner  of  France  was  reared. 
The  blood  thirsty  hate  of  the  Braves  appeared  ; 
Kindled  against  (Mninij)lain  when  first 
His  lightening  death  <ui  their  sires  had  burst, 
Years  had  not  i|uench('d  it,  for  never  depart 
Thoughts  of  revenge  from  the  Indian  heart. 


14 


Fbontenac. 


XXVI. 

Frontcnac  lonf:,  with  care,  had  tried 

To  win  tlicir  kindness  to  his  side ; 

Hut  the  stern  Nations  in  disdain 

The  proffered  behr  cast  back  again. 

If  he  uttered  wrathful  threat, 

With  a  taunting  scorn  'twas  met : 

And  if  he  sent,  in  a  burst  of  ire, 

A  sudden  foray  of  sword  and  fire. 

Everywhere  up  the  wild  warriors  stood, 

And  rushed  in  fierce  joy  to  their  banquet  of  blood. 


xxvii. 

From  ceiling  and  wall  tiie  light  vanished  away, 
The  room  now  began  to  grow  dusky  and  gray ; 

.Sculptured  desk  and  high-baeked  chair 

."^trange  wild  figures  seemed  to  wear; 

IJraneiiing  autlers  round  the  wall 

.'^ecmed  to  wax  more  wide  and  tall  j 

Weiipons  in  their  corners  made 

Faint  dull  glimmerings  in  the  shade ; — 
Still  sat  Frontenac  motionless, 
Still  thought's  burthen  seemed  heavy  to  press. 

Hark !  a  sudden  cry !  a  beat 

In  the  court  of  many  feet  — 
He  glanced  through  the  ca.semeut  —  amid  a  throng 
Of  soldiers,  a  figure  was  borne  along  — 
A  drooping  figure,  the  gliunnering  light 
Yielding  the  outlines  alone  to  sight. 


'n 


Frontenac. 


16 


XXVIII. 

E'en  as  ho  looked  the  portal  jarred, 
A  hurried  step  at  the  door  was  heard, — 

Hastily  entered  a  pallid  guard. 

With  a  soldier's  salute  at  the  bidding  word; 

"That  form  —  whose  in  it?  —  this  stir  why  made?" 
"The  Sieur  Lavergne's  !  ho  is" — 

"  What,  speak ! "—  "  Dead !  "— 

"Dead?"— 

—  "  Found  by  the  hunter  Bizarre  in  the  glade 

Where  he  used  at  sunset  to  ramble,  with  head 
Showing  the  knife  of  the  Iroquois  wild!" — 
"Dead  !  found  in  the  glade  !  but  where  is  my  child! 
Lucille !  my  daughter !  together  they  left 
The  castle  at  sunset ! "  The  father  bereft 
Struggled  with  groans  that  the  soldier  suppressed ; 
"  Send  the  scouts  quickly  and  bid  them  not  rest 
Till  the  forests  are  scoured  !  let  Count  Lavergne 
Be  brought  in  the  room  ! "  The  spirit  stern 
Of  the  warrior  seemed  again  to  sway, 

While  on  the  table  they  placed  the  dead. 

Lighted  the  cresset  swung  overhead. 
Then  hastened  with  soft  falling  footsteps  away. 
Seizing  the  hand  of  his  early  friend. 
Again  did  tlie  soul  of  proud  Frontenac  bend ; 
He  pressed  that  mangled  and  clotted  head. 
There  were  the  muscles  all  bare  and  red. 
"  Those  Iroquois  fiends  !  " —  he  muttered  low  — 
"Lucille,  JiUcille,  did  the  murderous  blow 
"  Fall  on  thee  !  ho !  without  there !  haste ! 


':W^W^^'?^~"f^^'< 


1(3 


Frontenac. 


Let  tlio  hunter  Bizarre  in  our  presence  be  placed!  — 

Toil  nie,"  as  low  the  roujih  woodsman  made 

( H)oisaiu'e  uncouth,  '•  didst  thou  traverse  the  glade  ? 

Was  tliero  none  otlior  lyinj^  there  ?  " 

•■None:" 

"  Leave  me  I"     No  eye  must  behold  his  despair. 
The  ruthless  stern  Frontenac  bent  o'er  the  dead 
With  a  heart  from  which  all  but  deep  sorrow  was  fled ; 
Tliat  arm,  cold  and  stiff,  had  once  sheltered  his  life 
In  a  whirlwind  of  bloody  and  desperate  strife  ; 
And  Lucille  the  loved  child  of  Sa-ha-wee  I*  too  gone  ! 
Must  his  winter  of  life  be  left  cheerless  and  lone  ! 
The  Iroijuois  !  up  flashed  his  fury  I  he  sprung, 
Clutched  his  sword  until  in  its  steel  scabbard  it  rung; 
And  on  through  the  room  with  quick  gestures  he  strode, 
As  though  some  fierce  dcmou  was  plying  his  goad. 

XXIX. 

Scarce  a  fleeting  three  months  glide 

Since  his  murdered  Sa-ha-wee  died, 
Struck  by  the  hand  of  Ta-yo-ncef  while  seeing, 

(So  her  IroijUois  liandmnid  said), 

Seated  upon  Cape  Diamond's  head, 
Sliiwly  the  beautiful  sunset  fleeing 

l''riim  the  landscape  below  her  spread. 
••  Vun-non-de-yoh's  slave  no  more," 
Hissed  the  fierce  IJrave  as  his  hatchet  fla.shcd  o'er  — 
••Die!"  and  bleeding,  Sa-lia-wco  fell; 
Then  pealing  a  wratiiful  triumphant  yell, 


*  A  vliip,  in  the  On-on-dali-gah  tongue. 

♦  A  «i)lf.  in  lli«  eamo. 


Frontenac. 


17 


And  spurning  the  shrieking  attendant  away. 
Off  bore  the  chieftain  the  lifeless  clay. 
Ta-yo-nee  I  her  brother  !  and  could  it  be 
That  he  again  was  the  enemy ! 
The  On-on-dah-gah  fierce,  whose  hate 

To  the  French  race  had  visited 
The  vengeatice  of  such  dreadful  fate 

Upon  a  sister's  head  ! 
And  then  the  thoughts  of  that  sister  stole 
Like  music  o'er  Frontenac's  tortured  soul. 
A  captive  brought  to  the  shores  of  France 

By  noble  De  Tracy  with  her  sire, 
In  his  stern  bosom  her  fawn-like  glance, 

Kindled  at  length  delicious  fire ; 
And  when,  heart-broken,  her  father  died, 
He  wooed  the  red  maiden  to  his  side  j 
In  his  gray  castle  beside  the  Khouc 
Five  bright  summers  above  them  shone; 
Decked  with  his  Sovereign's  trust,  he  bore 
His  destinies  then  to  Canada's  shore 
With  Sa-ha-wee  and  little  Lucille ;  and  the  moon 
That  saw  them  drop  anchor,  her  beautiful  boon 
O'er  the  brow  of  the  night  had  ceased  scarcely  to  spread 
E'er  the  blood  of  the  first  was  thus  ruthlessly  shed. 

XXX. 

And  now  too  the  fate  of  Lavcrgne  !  Lucille 
Torn  from  him!  his  over-wrought  senses  reel. 
But  hark  !  on  his  ear  a  pealing  swell ; 

The  neighboring  llocollots'  vesper-bell ! 

And  soon,  through  the  open  casement,  sonj 


18  Frontbnac. 

Comes  like  the  blessing  of  peace  along ; 
Pouring  on  his  heart  like  balm, 
Spreading  a  delicious  culm, 
Hushing  every  thouglit  of  pain, 
"  Mary  Mother !"  swelled  the  strain. 

"  >tnry  Mother!  from  thy  dwelling' 

Look  with  soft  and  smiling  eye  ! 
Us,  thy  humble  suppliants  telling 

Thou  dost  watch  us  from  the  sky. 
Ever  be  thy  presence  near  us  I 

Ever  o'er  us  be  thy  care ! 
Mother  of  Ilim  who  perished !  hear  us! 

Mijry  Jfother,  list  our  prayer. 

"  Honored  above  all,  yet  lowly 

Bend  the  sweetness  of  thy  brow, 
Mary  Mother!  Virgin  Holy! 

On  thy  waiting  children  now, 
Let  thy  suiile.  sweet  Mother!  cheer  us! 

To  our  souls  thy  blessing  bear  ! 
Mother  of  Him  who  perished  !  hoar  us  ! 

Mary  Mother  !  list  our  prayer." 

He  glanced  without  —  the  splendid  moon 
Was  climbing  to  her  gorgeous  noon ; 
Tlio  massive  church  and  convent  bright 
Reared  their  tall  summits  in  her  light ; 
Whilst  on  the  court  the  castle  laid 
The  sharp  cut  blackne.^s  of  its  shade ; 
The  .sentry  still  with  measured  stride 


111 


Feontbnao. 

Passed  and  ropoesed  the  portal  wide; 
All,  all  was  beauty,  light  and  peace, 
He  felt  his  feverish  throbbing  cease. 

"  Mary  Mother ! "  seemed  to  bear 

Still  upon  the  balmy  air ; 

Now  to  rise  along  the  sky, 

Now  to  tremble  from  on  high  j 

Falling,  swelling,  echoing  round, 

Till  the  moonlight  changed  to  sound ; 

Sound  that  told  of  heaven  above ; 

Sound  that  told  of  guardian  love ; 
Off  from  his  bosom  rolled  the  gloom, 

The  wrath,  the  anguish,  the  despair; 
And  in  that  still  and  lonely  room 

The  stern  old  soldier  knelt  in  prayer. 


19 


END  OP  CANTO  FIRST. 


CANTO  SECOND. 


THE  IROQUOIS. 

THE  CANADIAN  SPRING. 

THE  PEACE-BELT. 

ON-ON-DAHGAH. 

THE  ATO-TA-IIO. 


THE  ROBIN. 
THE  MESSAGE. 
QUEBEC. 
THE  CALUMET. 
THE  TALK. 


CANTO  SECOND. 


THE  IIIOQUOIS. 


WENT Y-FOUR  jcnrs !  a  fleeting  span 
In  tlic  flectiuj;  rarecr  of  man, 
Tweiity-four  years  have  passed  along 
In  the  flow  of  my  humble  song. 

II. 

Oh  the  Eagle  is  swift  when  he  sweeps  from  his 
height, 
^^  Withhiswing  tothc  wind,  and  his  eye  to  the  light, 

Darting  on,  darting  on  through  his  empire  of  air, 
With  nought  to  oppose  him  —  his  pathway  to  share  j 
But  the  king  of  the  sky  would  have  drooped  on  his  way 
E'er  his  wing  could  have  measured  the  Iroquois  sway. 
The  League  —  the  proud  siunmit  had  clambered  at  length, 
Sought  so  long  by  their  firm  bunded  wisdom  and  strength; 
Their  Long  House  extended  now,  spacious  and  high. 
The  branches  its  rafters,  its  canopy,  sky. 
From  the  grand  Mountain  lliver's*  full  occanward  bed, 
To  where  its  great  bosom  Ontario  spread. 


*  The  Uudson,  called  In  old  cbronlcleB  Tbo  River  of  tbe  Mooutatus.  The 
Iro>inoU  namo  is  Co-lm-tn-te-yab. 


•24  FmtNTENAO. 

The  fierce  AiliromlackH  had  fled  from  their  wrath, 
The  IIurciiiM  hi-cri  NWi'])t  fnmi  their  iiieroiIenn  jiatli ; 
Ari)Uii(l,  the  OttawaH,  like  leaves  liud  been  utrowu; 
And  the  hike  of  the  Krien  nnt  silent  and  lonu. 
The  I.i'iiape,  lordx  onee  ot'  valley  and  hill, 
Made  Wdnien,  bent  lnw  at  their  i'(in(|uerorB'  will; 
liy  the  tar  MiKsiKHippi,  the  Illini  xhrank 
When  the  trail  (if  the  TdUToixK  wan  xeen  on  the  hunk  ; 
On  the  liills  of  New  Kn^land  the  l'ei|U((d  tnrned  pnle, 
When  the  liowl  of  the  Wolf  swelled  at  ni^ht  in  tho  gale ; 
And  the  Cherokee  nhook  in  his  f:reen  Hniilin^  howerH, 
When  the  foot  of  the  Heau  Htaniped  liis  carpel  of  flowers. 

III. 

Pcath,  death  to  the  tribcH  that  now  lingered  behind 
When  the  Inxjuois  yountr  nien  eanie  on  like  the  wind. 
The  forcHtu  wore  filled  with  affrijiht  and  despair 
Wlien  tlie  whoops  of  the  braves  keenly  rolled  on  tho  nir; 
They  looked — at  their  frown  tho  wholu  region  grew  black; 
They  rose  —  and  their  way  was  the  hurricane's  track. 

vr. 

Stern  Frontenac  saw,  from  the  walls  of  Quebec, 
This  flood  from  the  woods  dashing  on  without  check. 
His  forts  were  surroumled,  liis  outposts  were  burned, 
French  blood  be  saw  flowing  wherever  he  turned, 
Now  here,  and  now  there,  as  elouds  flash  in  their  strife. 
Was  the  dart  of  thefoeman,  the  flash  of  their  knife; 
The  hunter,  whilst  tracking  the  Hudson  Hay  snow 
In  search  of  the  ermine,  sank  under  their  blow ; 


Tub  IiioyuoiH. 


Sfi 


ThoHcttlcr  whilst  plying  hU  nx  in  tho  wood, 

At  tlio  Hkirts  (if  C^iioboc,  dvoil  flm  curtli  with  liin  blood; 

Tho  hntoiiuiniiii,  pttHhiii^  hin  oriift  to  itN  ^oiil 

Up  tho  Hwift  ('utiirtt(|ui,*  full  iloiid  at  hin  polo; 

Tho  Hi'iitry,  whilxt  nuardiiif;  I'ort  Froiitunac'H  wull 

Uy  Oiitario'H  watorn,  fi-lt  doath  in  tho  hall ; 

Tho  fur  trador,  Hkinnuin);  with  hlaiikot  and  hoad 

Tho  Lako  (if  tho  Iliirous,  was  lullowod  to  blood; 

Hlodd  oriniMdiiod  tho  earth,  and  I'rioM  biirthoncd  tho  air, 

I'ntil  Frontunao,  lashod  intu  nuoldonin);  doHpuir, 

Unf^od  round  liko  tho  lion  foes  gird  in  a  rin^', 

IIIh  niano  bristliiij;  floroo,  yot  in  ddutit  whoro  to  spring, 

lloro  oponin^  Imh  roar  and  ihero  glancing  Imh  eyo, 

With  thu  circle  Htill  growing  moro  thruutuuiug  and  nigh. 


Tho  proudest  of  nil  in  tho  hostile  array 

Was  young  f  Dawn  of  Morning,  tho  Red  of  tho  Day, 

Tho  Lcagno'H  At-a-ta-ho!  tho  boldest  in  fight! 

The  wisest  in  council!  in  forni  thu  must  bright! 

Tho  fleetest  of  foot,  tho  most  HkiUed  in  tho  chaso  I 

Tho  glory  and  boast  of  tho  Iroijuois  race! 

Day  alter  day  to  fierco  Fmntonac's  ear 

Was  tho  nanio  of  the  chieftain  borne  loudly  by  fear; 

With  the  rush  of  tho  blast  trod  tho  Hravo  on  his  path. 

Slaughter  and  flanio  wore  tho  marks  of  his  wrath ; 

In  Hilence  of  midnight  his  war-whoop  arose  ; 

In  brightness  of  noonday  were  stricken  his  blows; 


•  The  SI.  Lnnrrcuco  In  tho  IruqtioU  tonetiv. 

t  Thurun-Bc-rah  lu  Iroquois,     lu  tUo  Uu-ou-da-ga  language  The  Dawn 
of  Day. 


■20 


FnONTENAC. 


Woe  to  the  French  I  for  a  ilcinon  ceemcd  sent 
Oil  its  way  of  dark  liorrors  wliorover  he  went; 
Woe  to  the  French  !  for  the  hatchet  he  bore 
Wearied  not,  spared  not,  streamed  ever  with  <rore  ; 
Woe  to  the  French  !  for  their  ranijiartN  uf  stone 
Saved  tlieni  from  utter  destruction  alone. 


THE  CANADIAN  Sl'KINfl. 

VI. 

'Twas  May!  the  Sprinir  witli  luairie  liliMnii 
liCajied  \\\>  from  Winter's  fnizeii  lnml>. 
l)ay  lit  tiie  river's  icy  mail ; 

The  bland  warm  rain  at  cveninjr  sank  ; 
Tee  frafrmcnts  dashed  in  niidniirht's  j;alc ; 

The  UKiose  at  in(irn  the  rijiplcs  drank. 
The  yacht,  that  stmid  with  naked  mast 

In  the  locked  siiallnws  mi'tionless 
When  sunset  fell,  went  eurt.seyin^  past 

As  breathed  the  moriiinj^'H  li}.'ht  caress. 
The  woiidman,  in  the  forest  deep. 

At  sunrise  heard  with  gladdening  thrill 
Where  yesler-evo  was  gloomy  sleep, 

The  briiwn  rossifrncil's  carol  shrill ; 
Where  ycster-eve  the  snowbank  s|iread 

The  hendoek's  twisteil  roots  between. 
He  saw  till'  coltsfoot's  golden  bead 

Rising  from  mos.ses  plump  and  green  ; 


The  Canadian  Spring. 


27 


Whilst  all  iirouiiil  wcro  building  trees, 

And  iiielKiw  Hweetiiohs  filled  the  breeze. 

A  few  days  passed  ahmi^,  and  brouj^lit 

Jlorc  ehaufies  as  by  luagie  wnmght. 

With  plumes  were  tipped  the  beeeheii  sprays; 

The  bireh  lonj;  dangling  tassels  showed; 
Tile  oak  still  bare,  but  in  a  blaze 

Of  irorj;eous  rod  the  maple  };lowcd; 
With  elusters  of  the  ])urest  white 
Cherry  and  slmdbiisli  eharmod  the  sight 

Like  spots  of  snow  the  bouf;hs  among; 
And  showers  of  strawberry  blossoms  made 
Kieh  carpets  in  each  Held  and  glade 

Where  day  it.s  kindliest  glances  flung. 
And  air  loo  hailed  Spring's  joyous  sway; 

The  bluebird  warbled  dear  and  sweet; 
Tlien  came  the  wren  with  carols  gay, 

The  customed  roof  and  poreli  to  greet; 
The  moekbird  sliowed  its  varied  skill ; 
At  evening  moaned  the  whijipoorwill. 
Type  of  the  Spring  from  Winter's  gloom  ! 

The  butterfly  new  being  found ; 
Whilst  round  the  pink  may-apple's  bloom 

Gave  myriad  drinking  bees  their  sound, 
(ireat  fleeting  chuids  the  pigeons  made; 
When  near  her  brood  the  hunter  strayed 

With  trailing  limp  the  partridge  stirred; 
Whilst  a  i(uiek  feathered  spangle  shot 
Rapid  as  thiuight  from  spot  to  spot 

Showing  the  fairy  bunmiingbird. 


28 


Fkontenac. 


THE  PEACE-BELT. 


VII. 


In  the  same  room  where  Frnntenac  stern 

Heard  the  loss  of  Lucille  and  the  death  of  Lavcrgne. 

Twenty-four  rapid  years  ap) ; 
lu  this  same  room  where  his  i'ootsteps  bent 

To  and  fro,  to  and  fro  ; 
Over  his  viwafje  shades  eame  and  went ; 
Now  thought  in  his  wrinkles  crouched  low  like  a  snake, 
Now  venomous  fury  uU  up  and  awake, 

Now  death-like  pallor,  now  crimson  glow. 
Those  3'ears  have  dimmed  his  eye's  (|uick  flame, 
Whitened  his  brow,  and  bent  his  frame. 
For  more  than  the  threescore-and-ton  had  been  given, 
Whether  in  favor  or  anger,  by  Heaven, 
Within  these  years  had  the  staff  of  command 
IJeen  wielded  by  another's  hand, 
IJut  once  more  at  his  sovereign's  word, 
O'er  Canada's  destinies  stood  he  lord. 

VIII. 

To  and  fro,  to  and  fro,* 
Frontenae  strode  tlirough  light  and  shade 

Hu.stily,  heavily,  still  and  slow. 
As  thoujht  or  passion  within  him  swayed. 
Now,  chafing  fierce,  and  treading  high. 

Like  a  roused  lion  in  his  den  ; 


The  Peace-belt. 


29 


Now,  like  the  panther  creeping  nigh 

The  hunter  slumbering  in  the  glen. 
He!  governor  of  the  province  !  ho 
The  sport  of  Iroquois  enmity ! 
He  clenched  his  teeth,  and  his  sword  half  drew. 
Whilst  darkened  his  brow  to  a  swarthy  hue  : 
"  Oh,  that  this  Dawn  of  Morning  stood 
Before  me,  e'en  in  his  native  wood, 
This  aged  arm  —  but  slumber  pride, 
'Twere  best  to  win  him  to  my  side." 
He  stamped  his  foot,  "Without  that  wait!" 

A  guardsman  in  his  presence  bent; 
"The  Otter*  bid  attend  us  straight!" 

Then  on  again  the  stridings  went. 
The  door  reopened;  with  a  tread 

Noiseless  as  snow-flakes  in  their  fall 
And  bowing  scarce  hi.s  haughty  head, 

Near  came  an  Indian  grim  and  tall. 
With  one  proud  step  the  noble  met 
This  Huron  runner  of  Lorette, 
Holding  a  wampum  belt  in  sight. 
Of  braided  colors  black  and  white, 
"  List  Otter  !  take  this  belt  of  peace; 

Kcst  not  till  Dawn  of  3Iorniug's  found; 
Tell  him,  we  wish  the  storm  to  cease ; 

The  hatchet  bury  in  the  ground. 
Tell  him,  the  At-o-ta-ho  proud, 

Forgetting  enmity  and  wrath. 


*  Ta-wen-dah  Intbo  Haron  tonguo. 


30  Fkontenac. 

Should  from  our  sky  sweep  every  cloud, 
Should  clear  all  briers  from  off  our  path. 

Tell  him  to  seek  this  lodge  of  stone, 

Whore  oft  the  council  fire  has  shouo; 

That  You-uon-de-yoh  asks  a  talk 
The  tree  of  peace  between  to  set, 
Beneath  to  smoke  the  calumet, 

And  wipe  from  blood  the  tomahawk  !" 


ON-ON-DAH-GAII. 

IX. 

The  sunset,  from  his  rainbow  throne, 
On  On-on-dali-f;ah  Hollow  shone. 
A  double  ring  of  palisade 

Enclosed  within  one-half  its  bounds 
A  rouMd-topj)ed  Indian  village,  made 

Of  mats  and  branches;  scores  of  mouud.s 
Told  that  the  other  yielded  space 
To  the  thrice  hallowed  burial-place; 
Thence  maize,  ris'n  newly,  spread  each  way, 
(Save  where  the  usual  ball-green  lay), 
The  earth-domes  tipped  with  golden  glow; 
The  whole  shaped  like  the  Indian  bow 
By  the  curved  forest,  and  a  stream 
That  stretched  below  its  sunset  gleam. 


X. 


Along  the  castle's  beaten  si|uare, 
Di.splayiug  marks  of  skill  and  care. 


On-on-dau-oah. 

The  famous  Temple  of  the  Glow* 
EstcndoJ  its  long  log-built  frame; 
Shrining  with  the  Sacred  Flame, 

Whose  star  it  never  ceased  to  show. 
Typo  of  the  aucicnt  league  that  bound 

The  five  lied  Nations  into  one, 
Ages  had  seen  its  light  cast  round 

Successive  forms  of  sire  and  son 
In  countless  councils  bearing  part : 
The  Feast  of  Union  every  year 
llenewing  by  the  radiance  clear 
The  tie  in  each  confederate's  heart. 

XI. 

Ever  on  high  the  smoke-cloud  streamed. 
In  summer's  sun  it  richly  gleamed ; 
Against  stern  winter's  sky  of  gray 
In  wreaths  condensed  and  pale  it  lay ; 
In  midnight's  bushed  and  solemn  gloom 
It  touched  the  heavens  with  sable  plume ; 
Like  ocean's  surges  wild  it  cast 
Its  rolling  fragments  on  th>.  jlast; 
And  pointed  upward  deep  and  proud 
Toward  the  black  frowning  thundercloud. 


81 


XII. 

All  eyes,  but  one,  were  barred  the  Flame, 
Save  when  the  Feast  of  Union  came ; 
And  if  the  portal  oped  perchance, 
Or,  through  some  crevice,  streaks  of  red 

•  Tcar-Jle-ta-yo  In  Iroquola. 


32  Frontknac. 

Broke  out,  away  was  turned  the  glauce, 
Quick  from  the  prcoinctH  passed  the  tread. 

XIII. 

Unceasing  sustenance  it  found 
From  the  vast  forests  spread  around. 
The  boy  had  seen  it  with  awed  sight ; 
It  shone  upon  hi.s  locks  of  white  j 
Still  glowed  its  undiminished  light 

When  death  its  trophy  won ; 
Another  generation  passed, 
And  still  the  ruddy  gleams  were  cast, 

Unwastcd  as  the  sun. 

XIV. 

A  priestess  watched  with  tireless  cure 
That  the  pure  splendor  of  the  fire 
Should  never,  day  or  night,  cx])iro, 
And  always  was  her  presence  there. 
The  At-o-ta-ho's  mother — she 
Cherished  with  pride  the  dignity 

To  keep  alive  the  blaze; 
And,  save  for  him,  her  heart  had  not 
A  thought  or  wish  beyond  the  spot 
So  sacred  to  her  gaze. 

•XV. 

Once  every  year  a  glowing  brand, 

AVhose  sparkles  from  the  Flame  had  birth. 
Was  borne  by  *Spark  of  Sunlight's  hand. 

•  To-na-u-b*  in  Iroqaola. 


i 


The  At-o-ta-ho.  88 

To  every  On-on-dah-gah  hearth ; 
And  there  again  the  wij^wam-firo, 
For  this  end  suffered  to  expire, 
At  the  brand's  touch  its  radiance  threw 
The  hearth  thus  sacred  made  anew. 
Emblem  how  all  is  cold  and  black 

When  Ilah-wen-ne-yo's  smile  is  o'er, 
And  then  liow  warm  and  bright,  when  back 

Flashes  his  glorious  glance  once  more. 
Thence  through  the  Long  House  went  the  tread 
Of  the  gray  priest,  the  brand  made  red 
By  the  whirled  wheel,  and  everywlwro 

Again  ho  made  the  dark  hearths  bright 
With  the  fire  emblem,  whilst  the  air 

Rang  with  the  usual  festal  rite. 


THE  AT-O-TA-HO. 

XVI. 

Upon  the  square's  opposing  side 
The  At-o-ta-ho's  lodge  arose ! 
Its  domed  shape  also,  greater  pride 

And  skill  displaying  far  than  those 
On  cither  side  the  space  that  flanked. 
And  into  ways  broad  trodden  ranked, 
Each  warrior's  totem  rudely  cut 
Above  the  porch  of  every  hut, 
AVith  narrow  transverse  lanes  between. 
Till  the  slant  pickets  closed  the  scene. 


84 


Frontenac. 


XVII. 

The  ontrnncc  of  tlio  lodge  before 
Iliiiif:  n  };ipantic  pnntlicr  skin, 
— Spoil  of  the  At-o-tu-ho'H  iiiif.'lit 
Won  in  a  despcrntc  mountain  fi^'lit. — 
While  beaver  furs  the  earthen  floor 

With  delicate  softness  rohed  within. 
The  walla  with  deerskins  were  o'erspread, 
White  as  the  snow  the  lake-marsh  shed. 
Impending  from  moose-antlers,  shone 
The  licague's  L'rcat  Calumet,  its  stem 
Plumed  like  the  feathery  diadem 
The  At-o-ta-ho  on  his  throne 
Of  branches  in  the  Kquare  displayed, 
When  for  the  I'nidu  Feast  arrayed. 


XVIII. 

Ilis  own  rich  jiipe  was  huiiir  below, 
Its  bowl  and  stem  one  general  glow 
With  thickly  ]iictured  tints  of  red, 
Telling  of  actions  stern  and  dread. 
On  one  side  was  the  l)earskin  eouch, 
Above  it  his  fusee  and  pouch ; 
Arciund  were  ranged  the  war-club  strong 
And  curved,  with  its  wrist-looping  thung; 
The  bow  with  deeds  all  over  dyed, 
The  flint-head  arrows  at  its  side; 
Leggings  of  crimson,  mantle  felts; 


The  At-o-ta-ho. 

Snowy  and  purple  wiunpum-belts; 
Moccasins  (juillud  in  rainbow  hue; 
Broad  sinewed  snow-shoes;  girdles  blue; 
Sharp  Hcalping-knivoB  uud  hatchets  keen  ; 
And  Feast-Crown  rich  in  feathery  sheen; 
Whilst  from  the  floor  a  sapling  sprung 
With  human  scalps  upon  it  strung; 
Age's  gray  locks,  long  woman's  hair, 
Childhood's  and  manhood's  blended  there. 

XIX. 

No  wife  the  warrior's  wigwam  shared, 
His  venison  or  his  uiaizc  prepared; 
No  gentle  accent  welcomed  him 
When  from  the  chase  came  weary  limb; 
No  soft  hand  bound  his  wounds  when  back 
Returned  from  battle's  bloody  track; 
Sweet  woman's  eye — that  household  star, 
Driving  all  household  gloom  afar  — 
Within  his  bleak  walls  never  shone ; 
Th3  At-o-ta-ho  lived  alone. 


86 


XX. 

And  yet  more  bright  each  maiden's  glance 
When  moved  his  figure  in  the  dance ; 
More  eager  bent  each  listening  ear 
Whcp.  rose  his  war-song  high  and  clear; 
Each  maiden's  tongue  was  loud  to  tell 
His  feats,  so  bold,  so  terrible, 
The  foemen  slain,  the  castles  won, 
Within  the  frequent  war-path  done. 


86 


FUONIENAC. 


XXI. 

When  throufjh  the  waj.s  and  Innes  ho  >vcnt,. 
Dark  sparkling  uycs  wuru  on  him  bunt; 
Soft  hourt.s  beat  whoresoo'ur  ho  trod ; 
Sweet  cheeks  blushed  nweoter  at  hi^^  nod; 
For  us  tho  liCague's  young  men  beyond 

In  deeds,  iu  beauty  was  lie  too ; 
But  yet  affectien's  gentle  bond 

Tho  graceful  warrior  never  knew. 
He — tho  proud  At-o-tu-ho — kept 

Xo  thoughr.s  within  his  heart  ibr  lovo; 
His  spirit  with  the  eagle  .swept, 

It  cowered  not  to  the  cooing  dove. 


JISKOKO. 

XXII. 

Still  for  that  nature  stern  and  high, 
One  loveliest  of  tho  maiden  train, 
In  secret  heaved  the  burning  sigh. 

In  secret  felt  tiie  tender  pain. 
Her  mother,  captive  iu  some  strife. 
In  youth  had  been  a  wliite  man's  wife. 
Then,  hurried  to  a  bloody  grave 
By  a  fierce  On-on-duh-gah  Brave, 
Who  said  she  h:id  forgot  her  jirido 
To  slumber  by  a  Frenchman's  side; 
And  in  another  war-path  brought 
The  infant  to  her  tribe,  that  she, 


I 


TuE  Robin. 

Though  with  tho  hatad  blood  so  fraught, 
An  On-on-dah-gah  still  should  bo. 


8T 


xxni. 

Sinoo,  eighteen  springs  their  blossoms  sweet 
Had  twined  around  Tho  Robin's  *  foot. 
Her  largo  soft  olk-like  eye  tho  race 

Of  the  Ho-de-no-sonno  showed, 
While  on  hor  sunny  cheek  the  trace 

Of  her  pale  lineage — rose-like — glowed. 
She  followed  ever  with  her  eye 
The  At-o-ta-ho  passing  by; 
Whene'er  his  look  was  on  her  turned, 
Her  downcast  brow  with  blushes  burned ; 
In  the  wild  dance  she  marked  his  grace. 
Her  whole  roused  soul  within  hiir  face; 
Whene'er  he  struck  the  battle-post, 
8he  hung  delighted  on  his  boast; 
When  on  tho  war-path  stern  he  went, 

She  frecjuent  hid  to  weep  the  while ; 
But  when  his  scalp-whoop  high  he  sent. 

Returning,  oh  !  how  bright  her  smile ; 
And  the  glad  maidens  she  would  leave, 
As  if  for  very  joy  to  grieve. 
Then  when  she  joined  tho  praising  throng, 

Amid  the  tinkling  Indian  lute, 
Or  the  loud  swell  of  joyous  song, 

To  him,  she,  she  alone  was  mute. 


•Jl.'-ko-ko  in  On-on-da-ga. 


88  Frontinac. 

Yet  fhoro,  o'eii  there,  no  Heeniinj^  cold, 
Tlio  n\^:\\  uiiJ  liluhh  their  Mtory  tulj. 
liul  though  the  At-o-tii-hi)  hlind 

To  her  deep  love  uiij)eiired,  hiH  tone 
And  look  were  ever,  ever  kind. 

Telling  wuriii  t'rieudHhip  held  the  throue 


' 


XXIV. 

ThuH,  while  The  Hohin  loved  in  vaiu. 
She  wildly  wu«  heloved  iignin, 
Uy  Ko-luh  of  floree  de^periile  mood, 
'Whose  fiery  will  iind  vengeful  blood 
Caused  her  to  Hhudder  iind  turn  pulo, 
Wheuo'cr  ho  told  IiIh  huted  tnlu. 


XXV. 

His  siro  The  Raven  wa»  ii  lirnve, 
Noted,  yet  to  vile  puwionH  (tiavc. 
Treacherous,  blood-thircty  at*  a  wolf, 

Vet  full  of  deep  deceit  and  guile, 
A  calm  look  veiled  the  boiling  gulf, 

Murder  was  hidden  in  his  (*mile. 
ButBtill,  when  on  the  wur-path  rushed 

lliij  feet,  mo  just  liis  utlter  boast, 
All  blame  was  in  his  praises  hushed, 

The  wretch  was  in  the  warrior  lost. 


TiiH  Message. 


80 


THE  MESSAGE. 

XXVI. 

The  sun  \m  jouriiuy  bright  had  bont 
So  low,  n  lovcl  my  ho  soiit, 
Tijipiiif:  tlio  fbri)«(M  with  tht)  ^cU)w, 
Wiiilo  twiligiit  gatherctl  gray  beluw. 

xxvir. 

Upon  the  plcumiiit  outsido  green 
TwoHlioutiiig  banils,  the  gates  between, 
With  their  liroml  rackets,  sent  on  high 
The  b.iU  now  soaring  to  (he  siiy. 
Now  tailing,  to  again  be  canght 
And  sent  aloft  with  sjieed  iil' thi>ught, 
Ever  ujion  its  whizzing  wing 
As  though  it  were  a  living  thing. 

XXVIII. 

Hero,  through  the  nlley.^,  warriors  bore 
Short  searlet  el(pak,s  their  shoulders  o'er. 
Arrow  and  bow  iu  either  hand. 
Yet  wearing  nought  of  war's  coinmaud; 
There,  others  .strove  in  miiuie  fray, 
Wrenehinj  the  faneied  !<ealp  away. 
Casting  tlieir  tomahawks  about, 
And  quavering  war-whoops  pealing  out. 
7 


40 


Frontenac. 


It» 


XXIX. 

Boj'H  also  in  the  mucking  strife 
Whirled  the  dull  hatchet,  aimed  the  knife; 
Whooped  shrill,  the  walp  in  gestures  reut, 
From  the  twanged  bow  the  arrow  seat, 
Or,  with  strained  strength,  and  flying  feet, 
Shot  on.  the  distant  goal  to  greet. 
While  with  their  pipes  the  old  men  sat. 
Each  at  his  entrauoc  on  his  mat. 

XXX. 

Upon  the  straggling  trees  that  flung 

Their  liougli.s  outside,  upon  themaize. 
Infants  in  their  lashed  back-boards  hung 

Asleep,  or  with  dull  patient  gaze  ; 
While  grouped  their  mothers  gossijiing, 

The  corn  to  golden  powder  pounding. 
Drawing  the  water  I'rom  the  spring. 

Or  the  bright  kettle's*  flame  surrounding. 

XXXI. 

Over  the  river's  surface  flew 
Youths  in  the  rapid  birch  canoe ; 
Or  floated  for  their  finny  prey; 
Or  lurked,  the  feeding  duck  to  slay. 

*  Ku-na-tab  lu  Ouondoga. 


1 


Iw 


The  Message. 


41 


XXXII. 

Suddenly  through  tho  maize,  where  led 
A  pathway  to  the  iieighb'ring  shades, 

A  stranger's  form  was  seen  to  tread, 
Approaching  toward  the  palisades, 

And  lifting,  as  he  came,  on  high 

Wampum  of  black  and  snowy  dye. 

A  ringing  whoop  of  warning  swelled 

From  those  tho  figure  that  beheld. 

The  ball  plunged  down,  and  lay  in  sleep ; 

The  mock  fights  ceased,  ceased  whoop  and  leap ; 

The  warriors  checked  their  sauntering  strides ; 

Sought  the  canoes  the  river  side. 

XXXIII. 

Tho  comer  was  an  Indian  tall, 
And  on  him  curiously  gazed  all ; 
Grave  through  the  palisades  he  passed. 
And  paused  within  the  square  at  last. 

XXXIV. 

There  followed  too  the  village  crowd; 

And,  though  the  warriors  silent  gazed, 
Tho  women,  boj-s,  and  children  loud 

Their  voices  in  enquiry  raised. 
But  mid  the  wild  and  chattering  din, 
Tho  grim  and  frowning  panther  skin 
Of  Dawn  of  Morning's  lodge  was  reared. 
And  at  the  threshold  he  appeared. 


42  Frontenac. 


XXXV. 

Of  beauty  high  and  rare  was  lie; 

A  deer-skin  shirt  of  white  was  spread 
Close  round  bis  frame  from  neck  to  knee, 

fleeting  bis  leggiugs  richly  red. 
Delicate  were  bis  features,  yet 
A  haughty  soul  was  in  them  set ; 
The  customary  paint  in  trace 
Of  red  and  black  was  o'er  his  face ; 
And  while  a  slender  form  ho  reared, 
Lithe  as  a  panther's  it  appeared. 


XXXVI. 

Upon  his  heart  his  hand  he  pressed, 
And  til  the  stranger  bowed  his  crest; 
Then  to  the  tall  pipe-bearer*  said. 

■Who  near  him  stood.  '•  My  Sachems  call  1" 
Next  to  the  stranger,  "  Come ! "  his  tread 

Hent  toward  the  palisaded  wall, 
Where  the  long  council-houso  appeared 
Beneath  a  row  of  hemlocks  reared. 

XXXVII. 

They  entered,  soon  the  .Sachems  came  ; 

The  circle  crouched  upon  the  floor  ; 

The  pipe  its  customed  circuit  bore  ; 
And  then  the  stranirer  reared  his  frame. 


•  Ua-ya-do-yn,  or  aid  to  the  Ato-ta-ho. 


F    ■ 
i 


\ 


The  Message. 


48 


Extended  in  his  brawny  hand 
The  wampum,  and  in  accents  bland 
To  Dawn  of  Jlorning  said,  who  sat 
In  front  upon  his  tufted  mat, 
"  Ta-wen-dch  Yon-non-dc-yoh's  talk 

To  the  great  At-o-ta-ho  brings ; 
He  seeks  to  plant  the  tree  of  Peace, 
Water  it,  bid  its  boughs  increase, 
And  then  to  hide  the  tomahawk 

Under  the  pleasant  shades  it  flings, 
And  hard  the  earth  above  to  tread. 
Until  it  is  like  rock  o'erspread ! 
Then  round  the  tree  lock  Friendship's  chain, 
And  never  let  it  break  again. 
'  Great  At-o-ta-ho  come ! '  says  he, 

'  To  my  stone  lodge  upon  tlic  rock, 

And  there  together  will  we  lock 
This  chain  unbroke  and  bright  lo  bo. 
Until  the  grass  shall  cease  to  grow. 
Until  the  waters  cease  to  flow !' " 


XXXVIII. 

A  guttural  quick  "  Yo-hah  !  "  awoke 
From  the  dark  ring;  still  no  one  spoke; 
Once  more  the  pipe  breathed  round  its  smoke, 

Tlicn  Dawn  of  Morning  rose  ; 
His  eye  each  Sachem's  countenance 
Sought,  and  each  Sachem  to  his  glance 

Said  "  Good,"  and  his  repose 
Vanished  into  a  lofty  air  ; 


I 


i 


His  head  he  reared,  his  arm  ho  spread, 

"  Good  words  speaks  Yon-iion-do-yoh  "  said, 

The  At-o-ta-ho  will  be  there  ! " 


QUEBEC. 

XXXIX. 

The  fresh  May  morning's  earliest  light, 

From  where  the  richest  hues  were  blended. 
Lit  on  Cape  Diamond's  towering  height 
Whoso  spangled  crystals  glittered  bright, 

Thence  to  the  castle  roof  descended, 
And  bathed  in  radiance  pure  and  deep 
The  spires  and  dwellings  of  the  steep. 
Still  downward  crept  the  strengthening  rays; 
The  lofty  crowded  roofti  below 
And  Cat-a-ra-(iui  caught  the  glow, 
Till  the  whole  scene  was  in  a  blaze. 
The  scattered  bastions  —  walls  of  stone 
With  bristling  linos  of  cannon  crowned, 
.  Whose  muzzles  o'er  the  landscape  frowned 
Blackly  through  their  cmbrazures — shone. 
Point  Levi's  woods  sent  many  a  wreath 
Of  mist,  us  though  hearths  smoked  beneath. 
Whilst  lieavy  folds  of  vapor  gray 
L'pon  iSt.  Charles,  still  brooding,  lay; 
The  basin  {flowed  in  splendid  dyes 
Gla.ssing  the  glories  of  the  skies, 
And  chc(|uered  tints  of  light  and  shade 
The  banks  of  Orleans'  L'<le  displayed. 


1  u 


I   .-y 


QUEIKO. 


XL. 

To  active  life  the  scene  awoke ; 

A  brigantine  her  canvas,  spread, 
And  as  her  sailor-aongs  outbroke 

Down  toward  the  southern  channel  sped. 
A  courier  in  his  bark  canoe 
From  Skan-na-da-rio's  boundless  blue, 
Measured  his  oars,  as  swift  along 
He  glided,  to  his  frontier  song ; 
And  a  bateau  forth  slowly  slipped 
Its  little  wooden  anchors  tripoed. 
The  boatmen  at  their  polos  low  bending 
Their  choru.s  in  rude  music  blending. 

XLI. 

Quebec's  great  thoroughfare  within 
Rose  to  the  usual  stir  and  din  : 
With  flowing  plume,  and  mantle  gay, 
The  mounted  noble  went  his  way ; 
Chaunting,  with  crucifix  on  high, 
A  train  of  monks  swept  slowly  by ; 
With  piko  and  coralet,  grim  and  scarred, 
And  measured  step,  on  strode  a  guard. 
Couriers  de  bois,  loud  chattering,  went 
Beneath  their  packs  of  peltry  bent ; 
The  half-blood  scout,  with  footstep  light. 
Passed  glancing  round  his  rapid  sight ; 
Ilurons  (juick  bore,  with  loping  tread, 
Rich  beavers  toward  the  trader's  shed ; 


45 


46  Frontenac. 

Woodmen  with  axes  iu  their  hands, 
Hunters  with  hounJs  iind  rifles  long, 

And  rough  b;»te;iunien,  grouped  iu  bauds, 
On  sauntering,  swelled  the  motley  throng. 


Suddenly  rose  a  murmur  through 

The  busy  street ;  a  word  passed  on  ; 
Eyes  glanced  around  ;  toi^ether  drew 

In  groups  the  crowd;  with  visR;:e  wan 
At  doors  and  winduws  mothers  pressed 
Their  screaming  infants  to  their  breast; 
Here,  with  clenched  teeth  men  grasjicd  the  knife. 
As  if  to  rush  on  desperate  strife; 
Whilst  others,  there,  cast  looks  of  fear 
On  wives  and  children  shuddering  near ; 
What  word  was  that,  so  tjuick  had  made 
The  sun-bright  scene  so  dark  with  shade  I 
'Twas  Dawn  of  Morning  1  uttered  now 
In  whispers  deep,  with  cowering  brow, 
And  spoken  now  in  anger  loud 
With  hand  tight  clasped  and  bearing  proud. 
"  Ha!  here  he  comes  I  "  exclaimed  the  scout, 
"  See  how  he  throws  his  glance  about !  " 
"  The  dog!  here,  midst  us,  in  (Quebec  !  " 
Muttered  the  noble,  sudden  check 
Giving  his  steed,  •'  as  proud  liis  feet 
As  though  the  forest  Kaves  they  beat ; 
He  seems  to  beard  us  with  that  tread, 
And  how  he  lifts  his  haughty  head ! " 


Quebec, 


47 


"  The  demon !  see  his  glittering  knife ! " 
Murmured  a  female  casting  look 
On  her  pale  child  who  by  her  shook, 
"  Christ  save  us  from  this  murderous  strife ; " 
"  St.  Francis,  keep  it  far  away !  " 
Exclaimed  a  passing  Kecolkt. 
"  Ho,  comrade  ! "  a  bateauman  said, 
"  How  feels  the  scalp  upon   your  head  I 
Creeps  it,  as  on  that  stormy  night 
We  tugged  upon  St.  Peter's  lake 
AVhen  the  moon  showed  with  titful  light 

That  fearful  savage  in  our  wake  ?  " 
"  Milet !  dost  thou  remember  Roux, 
Scalped  by  this  fiend  in  his  canoe  ?  " 
A  courier  asked,  his  bended  back 
Freeing  an  instant  from  his  puck : 
'•Ashes  are  where  Moyne's  cabin  stood, 

And  his  the  torch  that  waked  the  fire. 
His  hatchet  drank  Le  Renault's  blood, 

His  stake  saw  La  Montayne  expire. 
The  time  our  village  in  the  dell 
A  prey  to  his  wild  fury  fell  I" 
A  rough  Carignan  settler  said, 
In  a  low  voice  of  rage  and  dread, 
To  a  fur-trader  at  his  shed ; 
"  Allaire  !  I'd  give  a  year  to  strike 
That  haughty  Indian  with  my  pike  I  " 
A  youthful  guardsman  fiercely  cried. 
To  an  old  veteran  by  his  side, 
"  Hush  Merle  !  the  Calumet  behold. 
Besides  there  tread  his  followers  bold ! " 
8 


48  Frontenac. 

Such  sounds  proclaiiuod  the  warrior's  way, 
Kisiiig  and  Hiiikin^'  as  his  foot 

Passed  crouching  hut  and  building  gray, 
That  walled  the  long  aod  winding  street. 


THE  CALUMET. 

XLIII. 

On  came  the  At-o-ta-ho'.x  tread. 

Leading  the  file  of  his  tawny  band; 
Like  the  crest  of  the  oik  rose  his  haughty  head. 

While  high  he  lifted  in  his  hand 
That  sign  of  peace,  the  culiiniet, 
So  sacred  to  the  Indian  soul, 
With  its  stem  of  reed  and  its  dark  red  bowl, 

Flaunting  with  feathers  white,  yellow,  and  green, 
Which  seemed  as  if  jewels  were  over  them  set. 

As  they  glanced  to  the  sun  in  their  changeable  sheen. 

XLIV. 

Courage  that  danger  ne'er  disturbed. 
And  a  proud  spirit  never  curbed. 
Were  throned  upon  his  forehead  bold. 
And  in  his  dark  wild  glance  were  told. 
His  usual  plose  white  robe  he  wore, 

Its  hue  in  emblems  nearly  lost; 

A  short  fusee  his  shoulders  crossed  ; 
His  head  the  bristling  scaip-hick  bore; 


The  Talk. 

A  heron  plume  of  snow  hung  o'er ; 
Memorial  of  that  bird  that  swept 

ItD  way  to  Hah-yoh-wont-hah  dread, 
And  whose  pure  plumage  long  was  kept 

To  deck  the  bravest  warrior's  head. 
Behind,  his  mat  hung,  richly  dyed. 
And  dangling  loosely  at  his  side, 

His  pouch  of  rabbit  skin  was  seen ; 
His  limbs  bright  crimson  leggings  graced, 
Worked  moccasins  his  feet  encased. 

And  in  the  sunshine  gleaming  keer 
His  hatchet  o'er  his  mat  was  slung. 
While  his  long  knife  before  him  hung. 

XLV. 

His  warriors  also  bore  fusee, 

Hatchet  and  knife,  with  bearing  proud; 
But  not  a  sign  showed  enmity, 
"Hai  1  hai !  "  they  sounded  oft  and  loud. 
Thus  down  St.  Louis'  street,  that  led 
To  the  Place  d'Armes  all  sinwly  sped. 
And  there  they  chicked  their  lofty  tread. 


49 


THE  TALK. 


XLVI. 

The  castle's  council  chamber,  long 
And  narrow,  raftered  low  and  strong ; 
On  a  raised  chair  sat  Fronteuac, 
A  score  of  nobles  at  his  back, 


50  Fbontenac. 

Wliilo  piki'inoii  in  twi)  rows  before 
Stretched  to  the  threshold  of  the  door. 

xtvii. 

The  HiiiiMhiiie  thriiiij:h  the  casement  streamed, 

Killiii^  witli  golden  j^low  the  mom. 
On  corselet,  cat<(|uc,  aii'l  pikohcud  ^'h-amed. 

And  danced  on  HWoril.  fuseo,  and  plume. 
But  the  wide  jiortal  open  flew ; 
Five  forms  strode  up  the  avenue 
liy  the  f,'rini  hristling  pikenicn  made, 

The  file  the  At-o-ta-ho  leading. 
The  rest  close  after,  eacli  a  brave. 
In  a  bravo'.M  weapons  each  arrayed, 

Seeming  to  see  nought,  stern  and  grave, 

Yet  subtly  every  object  heeding. 


XLvn. 

As  Dawn  of  Morning  slowly  passed, 
Around  his  eagle  look  he  cast, 
Smiling  with  scorn  as  pike  and  gun 
Flashed  all  around  him  in  the  sun. 

No  pau.se  he  made,  until  his  tread 
Placed  him  two  paces  friun  the  chair 
Where  Fronfenac,  with  kindling  air, 
Sat  gazing;  then  in  broken  speech, 
While  swept  his  arm  a  haughty  reach, 

The  youthful  warrior  said  : 
"(ireat  Yon-non-de-yoh  whispered  'Come  '.' 

To  Dawn  of  Morninn :  he  is  here. 


Tub  Talk. 

E'on  in  groat  Yon-non-do-yoh's  homo ; 

Tho  At-o-ta-ho  knows  not  fear, 
For  a  great  bravo  is  Dawn  of  Day : 
What  doth  my  Canada  father  say?" 


xux. 

A  Jiroathless  pause ;  at  length  'twos  broke 
15y  Frontenac,  as  thus  he  spoke : 
■'  My  Sachom,  dwelling  o'er  tho  sea, 
To  his  red  children  speaks  through  me  — 
Why  should  tho  Ongue-Honweo  host 
Against  me  strike  the  battle-post ! 
Why  should  my  young  men  vainly  cry 

For  succor  at  their  burning  stake  ! 

Why  should  my  lightnings  round  them  wake, 
Bidding  their  boldest  warriors  die  ! 
Why  should  our  pathway  with  a  cloud 
The  bravo  Ho-de-no-sonne  shroud ! 
I  listen  as  the  west  wind  comes. 
Its  errand  in  my  ear  it  hums ; 
It  says  —  I  bear  the  shriek  and  groan 

From  distant  Missilliniakinak 
To  Yon-non-de-yoh's  lodge  of  stone, 

A  dreary,  long,  and  bloody  track. 
These  things  have  riven  my  heart  with  pain. 
But  let  us  now  make  bright  the  chain. 
And  smoke  the  Calumet  together, 

Willie  on  our  path  will  rest  tho  glow, 
Tho  soft  warm  glow  of  Summer  weather, 


61 


fi2  FnONTtNAC.    . 

Not  Wiiifi!r'>i  rhilliiif;  roboH  orMnow. 
Tlii.s  bolt  |iri   iTVf^  my  wordw! 

Wu'Il  jduiit  llic  ]nai'«)-lreo  deeply  now, 

So  that  itH  nhiide  chilli  Htcep  oacb  brow; 

And  no  mure  Irl  tho  fires  of  wratli 

De  kindled  in  tlie  l>iittle-pnth 
Uy  deodn  or  nin^'infr-bird:*. 

See,  Dawn  of  Morninj;  I  yon  bright  pilo 

(M'pn«  will  nmke  tliy  wiirriors  Nmilo! 

Fufced,  Ut  brinj,'  tho  fleet  moose  low ; 

RaeketH,  to  hunt  liiin  in  the  snow; 

Ulankets,  within  whcwe  downy  fold, 

Tho  KircH  can  bravo  tho  bitterest  cold ; 

Sanhes.  to  bind  the  robes  of  skin  ; 

IJeads  for  the  tawny  nioeeasin ; 

Trinkets  tn  make  tho  stpiaws  more  bri>.'ht ; 

Taints  fitting'  warriors  for  the  fi-ht ; 

I'owder  and  l>all,  to  scathe  with  flamo 

Tho  foe,  and  heap  tho  lod>;o  with  game ; 

LcfT^ings  that  maleh  the  ruddy  blaze; 

Kettles  to  boil  the  golden  maize; 

And  look  I  lot  Dawn  of  Morning  spread 

Hound  him  this  niande  rich  and  red, 

Worthy  an  At-o-ta-ho's  sight, 

Whoso  deeds  have  niado  his  name  so  bright." 


Tho  warrior  stirred  not  I'rom  his  place, 
Hut  reared  his  tull  light  form  more  tall, 


The  Talk. 

And  Mill,  while  Icttiii);,  with  fVeo  grace, 

Upon  hin  iiriu  the  mniitlu  full : — 
"  When,  in  hin  Hiinwy-winm'il  I'luioo, 
FifHt  Waiicin^j  TIiuikIit*  erupt  to  view, 

On  Cnt-ii-ru-<{ui'H  flood, 
Thti  Adirciiidii('l(  do^'H  (]u<  knife 
ApiiiiHt  my  pitiiplo  lioid  in  Htrifu, 

Itud  over  with  their  Mood. 
So  by  the  oldcHt  nires  iivouuhed, 
In  winter,  in  the  lodncM  erou^'hod  j 
And  thoii^di  thoHO  do^s  no'  •  trembling,  fVel 
Till-  Hcorutui  Ntani]iin^:HorMnr  heel, 
Then  ditl  our  liitlierH  Itnow  their  wrn'ii, 
And  die  williin  their  bloody  path. 
Uefi'le  that  iiroad  and  jc- ,  'v  luko 

NVtiere  dwells  the  prv|ii>.ci,  if  the  winds, 
Who,  if  no  offbring  nioruU  umkc 

I'a.stiin;;  bin  Indjie  of  roek,  unbinds 
IIiM  ruchin;;  fury  o'er  the  wave, 
And  whelms  them  in  a  watery  pravo ; 
Ilerdinj:  with  those  base  doirs,  the  fires 

Of  Walking;  Thunder  liereely  flashed 
ApniuHt  the  boHonis  of  our  siroM, 

And  down  to  earth  their  brave.st  dashed, 
Su<ldeii,  as  when  the  lifrhtnin^'s  bound 
Cleaves  the  proud  hendock  to  the  fjround. 
They  made  our  treiubliii;;  warriors  bow. 

Warriors  who  only  bowed  before 

To  li.  'i- .  .  n-ne-yo ;  from  the  roar 


M 


'Ctumplaiu. 


54  Frontenac. 

And  flash  of  Walking  Thunder's  wrath, 
Their  feet  flew  o'er  a  briery  path, 
And  long  they  veiled  their  humble  brow. 


LI. 

"  But  the  wise  Oharistooni  *  came, 
And  gave  the  dust  where  slept  the  flame 
To  our  awed  sires ;  from  that  bright  hour, 

Their  scalp-locks  loftier,  loftier,  rose. 
They  climbed  the  mountain  of  their  power, 

They  poured  destruction  on  their  foes; 
Each  warrior's  lodge  with  scalps  was  filled, 
We  swam  within  the  blood  we  spilled. 
Not  only  Adirondaek.s  bowed. 
When  o'er  them  passed  our  tempest-cloud. 
But  Huron,  Erie,  Illini. 
Ottawa,  Pequod,  bent  the  knee, 
Until  turned  every  red  man  pale, 
Where'er  was  seen  our  .stealthy  trail; 
And  where  our  wandering  footsteps  led. 
The  earth  was  strown,  like  leaves,  with  dead. 


LII. 


'•  Then  the  good  Charistooni  placed 

The  chain  in  Corlear's  friendly  hands  ; 

We  since,  heart  linked,  tb(>  game  have  chased, 

•  The  Dutch  wore  so  called  by  the  Irociuols. 


The  Talk. 


55 


And  still  the  tree  wo  planted  stands, 
This  belt  preserves  my  talk ! 
Oft  has  the  At-o-ta-ho  smoked 

The  pipe  with  Corlear,  his  white  brother, 
And  oft  have  we  the  smiles  invoked 

Of  Hah-wen-ne-yo  on  each  other ; 
Deep  lies  our  tomahawk ! 
If  Yon-non-de-yoh,  then,  the  chain 

Would  place  in  Dawn  of  Morning's  grasp, 
And  make  it  free  from  every  stain, 

The  links  must  Corlear  also  clasp. 
And  Yon-nou-de-yoh,  with  his  hand 
Upon  his  heart,  by  Corlear  stand, 
A  brother." 

— "  Nay,  it  cannot  be  1 " 

Thus  broke  in  fiery  Frouteuac  : 
"  The  mighty  sachems  o'er  the  sea 

Have  dug  the  hatchet  from  the  ground, 

The  knife  must  gleam,  the  war-whoop  sound ; 
Ne'er  Yon-non-de-yoh  bends  the  knee, 

Or  from  the  war-path  turns  him  back  !" 
"  Then  ! ''  and  the  At-o-ta-ho  dashed 
The  mantle  down,  with  eye  that  flashed. 

And  spurned  it  with  disdain ; 
"  Then  shall  the  hatchet  still  be  red. 
And  still  the  sky  with  clouds  bo  spread  ; 
See !  Dawn  of  .Morning's  scornful  tread 

Is  on  the  broken  chain ! " 
"  This  to  my  face  !  "  cried  Frontenac, 
Upstartiiiu',  "  Seize  him  !"  —  In  his  track 
The  savage  turned  —  one  bound  he  made, 
9 


I: 


56  FnONTENAC. 

His  hntohet  gleamed,  and  low  was  laid 

A  pikcnmn  on  the  floor ; 
Another  bound,  another  blow. 
Beneath  his  feet  another  foe 

Was  >!;a8piBg  iu  his  gore ; 
A  third,  and,  with  a  war-whoop  shrill. 
That  pierced  all  ears  with  deafening  thrill, 

He  vanished  through  the  door; 
Over  his  tribesmen  fierce,  who  stood 
Stern,  fighting,  till  they  fell  in  blood. 

Nobles  and  pikemen  pour. 
Across  the  court  the  chieftain  flies. 
One  struggle  more — the  sentry  dies; 

Haste,  haste,  thy  need  is  sore  ! 
Ope,  ope  the  sally  port  I  thy  flight 
Thy  focmen  press  with  stern  delight. 

Thy  warriors  are  before. 
Joy,  joy  !  the  sally  port  is  spread  ! 
And,  with  loud  whoop  and  winged  tread. 
He  plunges  midst  his  tribesmen  red. 
And  with  quick  words  he  points  ahead  — 

All  vanish  from  the  square; 
Up  through  St.  Louis'  street  they  dash. 
Corslet  and  pike  behind  them  flash. 
And  shots  at  rapid  periods  crash. 

But  onward  still  they  bear. 
All,  wondering,  view  iho  warriors  fleo. 
In  their  left  hands  the  clutched  fusee, 

The  hatchet  in  their  right, 
Bateaumau,  hunter,  courier,  scout. 
Show  their  surprise  by  clamorous  shout. 


The  Talk. 


57 


Women  Hhriek  wild  with  fright ; 
Yet  scarce  is  marked  the  tawny  crowd 
Before,  like  passage  of  a  cloud, 

They  shoot  athwart  the  sight ; 
But  ere  they  gain  the  walls,  a  band 
Of  hunters  in  their  pathway  stand, 
Poured  from  a  little  inn  at  hand, 

And  deadly  fire  throw  in ; 
Hatchets  and  knives  and  wood-blades  flash, 
Fusees  and  rifles  blend  their  crash, 

Whoop,  shout,  and  scream  their  din; 
Bosom  to  bosom,  eye  to  eye. 
Pale-face  and  red-skin  sink  to  die. 

Blood  gushes  through  the  street; 
Near  and  more  near  the  armed  array 
Of  guardsmen  come  to  grasp  their  prey ; 
Still  cut,  still  cut,  wild  braves  !  your  way ! 

Still  urge,  still  urge  your  feet ! 
Haoh  !  *  Hah-wen-ne-yo's  smile  is  cast 
Upon  them  yet  —  they  reach  at  last 
The  walls  —  the  :^ent^ies  low  they  bring, 
The  massive  gates  they  open  swing. 

Nought  now  their  way  retards, 
And  turning,  Dawn  of  Morning  throws 
His  hatchet  with  a  look  that  glows 
In  glaring  fury  at  his  foes; 

Then,  as  dash  near  the  guards. 
Vanishes  with  his  dusky  band 
Amid  the  tangled  woods  at  hand. 

*  An  exclamation  in  Iroquois,  ezpreesive  of  joy  or  triampb. 


END  OF  CANTO  SECOND. 


■^     'I 


WE 


CANTO  THIRD. 


THE  WAR-SONG. 
THE  HUNTERS. 
THE  BATEAU. 


THE  CARIQNAN 

VILLAGE. 
THE  BRIGANTINE. 


I 


i 


I 


I 


CANTO  THIRD. 


THE  WAR-SONG. 


OOH  I  hooh !  how  the  panther  springs, 
As  flics  the  deer  on  affrighted  wings ! 
Hooh !  hooh !  how  he  rends  his  prey ! 
So  will  the  On-on-dah-gahs  slay ! 
Hooh  !  whoop  !  how  he  rends  his  prey  ! 
So  will  the  On-on-dah-gahs  slay ! 

"  Hooh  !  hooh  1  how  the  eaglo  screams, 

As  the  hlood  of  the  fawn  from  his  talons  streams  ! 

Hooh  !  hooh !  how  the  woods  ring  out ! 

So  will  the  On-on-dah-gahs  shout ! 

Hooh !  whoop  !  how  the  woods  ring  out ! 

So  will  the  On-on-dah-gahs  shout  1 " 


S^.K 


n. 


Thus  the  next  morning  that  heheld 

The  At>o-ta-ho  safe  again 
At  On-on-dah-gah,  loudly  swelled 

The  war-song  in  its  angriest  strain. 


62  Frontenac. 

Revongo  on  Yon-non-do-yoh  !  liigh 
Wont  up  the  fierce  and  bloody  cry  j 
Rovongo  on  nil  his  race !  their  iro 
Flashed  into  furious,  frenzied  fire; 
Revenge !  revenge !  it  filled  the  day, 
It  e'en  dittturbcd  the  midnight's  sway, 
Its  sound  the  At-o-ta-iio  swelled, 
The  echo  wild  his  warriors  yellod. 
The  old  men,  women,  children,  all 
Blended  their  voices  in  the  call. 
Revenge  1  revenge !  till  every  breast 
Had  but  that  pasaion  for  it^  guest. 


III. 

And  now  round  flame  and  war-post  red 
Within  the  castle's  crowded  square, 

The  wrathful  At-o-ta-ho  led 

His  braves,  and  raised  his  cliauntings  there. 

Joined  by  their  tones,  whilst  every  bound 

Beat  to  the  song  with  mufiled  sound. 


"  Ilooh !  hooh  !  how  the  sharpened  knife 
Will  gleam  again  in  the  war-path's  strife ! 
Hooh  !  hooh!  like  the  lightning  red, 
The  On-on-dah-gahs  will  flash  in  dread ! 
Hooh !  whoop  I  like  the  lightning  red, 
The  On-on-dah-gahs  will  dart  in  dread  ! 


The  'War-Sono. 


63 


"  Ilooh  !  hooh  !  how  the  hungry  fire 
Will  wrap  the  French  in  its  leaping  ire ! 
Ilooh  !  hooh  !  like  the  torrent's  flood, 
The  On-on-dah-gaha  will  rush  in  blood ! 
Hooh  !  whoop !  like  the  torrent's  flood, 
The  On-on-dah-gahs will  rush  in  blood!" 


Breaking  the  song,  above  his  head 

The  At-o-ta-ho  flashed  a  sweep 
With  his  bright  hatchet ;  down  it  sped. 

And  in  the  post  was  buried  deep. 
The  next  one  gave  a  piercing  yell, 
And  down  his  hatchet  also  fell. 
Another  struck  —  another  —  shrill 
Whoop  upon  whoop  resounding,  till 
Blows  rained  upon  the  post  so  fast, 
In  fragments  round  'twas  strown  at  last 


IV. 

The  At-o-ta-ho  clutched  his  axe 

And  shook  it  high  with  fiercest  gaze. 
Then  —  scorns  of  warriors  in  his  tracks  — 

Hushed  through  <hc  palisades,  the  maize, 
x\nd  bounding  to  the  water-side 

Where,  from  the  soft  white  bass-wood  hollowed. 
Three  war  canoes  with  withes  were  tied, 

Entered  the  first;  his  warrior'  ""  wed 
10 


64  Fkontenac. 

Till  all  wore  filled,  and  the  furious  thronj? 

With  flashing;  iiuJdlcs  then  k-f't  tlio  !*hore, 
Skiiauiiug  the  river  with  whoop  and  song 

Upon  their  war-path  of  flnui'  .  ■  '       -o. 


THE  HFNTKHS. 

V. 

'Twos  one  of  June's  d<'licious  eve? ; 

Sweetly  the  sunset  rays  were  streaming. 
Hero  tangled  in  the  forest  loaves. 

There  on  the  Cataraiiui  glcaniinf;. 
A  broad  glndc  lay  beside  the  flood 
Where  tall  dropped  trees  and  bushes  stood. 

A  cove  its  scniiciri'lo  bent 
Within,  and  through  lli'   sylvan  space. 
Where  lay  the  light  in  spliiiii  iimI  trace, 

A  moose,  «low  grazing,  went ; 
Twisting  his  long,  curved,  flexile  lip 
Now  the  striped  moosewood's  leaves  to  strip, 
And  now  his  maned  neck,  slmrt  and  strong, 
Stooping,  between  his  fore-limbs  long 
StroicheU  widely  i.nt,  to  crop  tlie  plant 
And  tall  rich  gniss  'hat  clothed  the  haunt. 
On  moved  ho  to  the  Ijasin'    edge, 
M'uving  the  '  .vordflag,  ni  ''    and  sedge, 
AiiJ   wading  short  way  IV     .  the  shore 
Where  spread  the  waterlilies  o'er 
A  pavrtnnnt  green  with  globes  of  gold. 
Couiuiented  his  favorite  f'-i.st  to  hold. 


t 


The  Hunters. 


er) 


VI. 

So  still  tho  scene  —  the  river's  lapse 

Along  its  cf'urso  gave  hollow  sound, 
With  soirio  riiised  wavelet's  lazy  laps 

On  log  anil  stono  iiround ; 
And  tho  crisp  noiso  tho  moose's  cropping 
Miide,  with  the  water  lightly  dropping 
From  some  lithe,  speoklud,  lily  stem 

Entangled  in  his  antlers  wide. 
Thus  scattering  many  a  sparkling  gem 

Within  the  gold-cupw  at  his  side. 
Sudden  ho  raised  his  head  on  high. 
Spread  his  great  nostrils,  fixed  his  eye, 
tteared  halt'  his  giant  ear-flaps,  stood, 

l^etween  his  teeth  a  hnll'-ehewed  root. 
And  sidelong  on  tho  neighboring  wood 

Let  i^tnrtlod  glances  shoot. 
Resuming  then  his  stem,  once  more. 

He  li  lit,  as  from  suspicion  free. 
His  bearded  throat  the  lilies  o'er. 

And  cropped  them  (juietly. 

VII. 

Minutes  passed  on  in  such  repose, 
No  sound  within  the  scene  arose, 
Save,  as  before,  the  river's  tinklings; 

The  rustling  that  tho  feeding  moose 
Made  in  the  lilies,  and  the  sprinklings 

Each  mass  of  roota  he  reared  let  loose ; 


f56 


Frontenac. 


Hut  now  a  rifle  oriiokod  — lu'  xtnrti'd, 
Ami  tliniiiu'li  till"  rulHod  littHiii  dnrlud, 
Found  ijuickly  thu  (i]iiHising  Hidi), 

And.  IickiI'm  Iiiiid  dirking;,  lutl  tlio  npot. 
His  t'raino  t-xtunduil  in  u  wide, 

llt'.idliiiijr,  }ot  awkwnrd  trot; 
Hut  st'arcc  nil  iirrow'e  fli^lit  lu!  hdro, 

Wlu'II  IjUFHt  IIUotluT  ((Uick  Hut  HOIIIld, 

And,  with  drawn  limbs,  and  f,"isliiiig  )^oto, 

Ho  flimnilorod  on  tlii'  uniuiid. 
Twii  liunturH  rushi'd  tliun  I'roiii  tiie  Mhado, 
And  wliilu  ouu  drew  \m  woudumn'M  blade 
AiTdsH  tin'  victim's  throat, 

Tlif  otliLT  wl [n'd  out  shrill  and  keen, 

That  rau^  alonj;  thu  sih'ut  scene 
In  startling;,  dcafonini;  note. 


Vllt. 


Ah  I'rom  their  prey  they  strip  the  skin, 
Two  other  hunters  enter  in. 
Bearing  a  deer  with  stajrj,'erinj;  Htreiif,^th, 
And  on  the  f;reensward  ea.st  their  leiijjth. 
Now  voices  all  around  are  heard, 
The  leaves  by  hasty  feet  are  stirred, 
And  soon  the  whole  gay  luinter  band 
^Vithin  the  sylvan  hollow  stand. 
Casting  their  wildwood  game  around 
Until  it  tliickly  strews  the  ground. 


The  IIuNTERg. 


6T 


IX. 

Now  fho  f,'ol(lim  liglit  Iiuh  slid 
From  tho  heuilDck'M  pyramid ; 
Ni)W  tilt)  iimploV  iliiiiH)  JH  diirk, 
Fliiching  Into  witli  luHtrous  Hpark  ; 
And  within  tho  solomri  woods, 
Twili^'ht,  duHk  and  Mhiiiimuriiig,  broods. 


Hoon  tho  pile  of  stieks  and  loavoa 
Firo  from  flint  and  steel  rcueivos, 
And  tho  flesh,  in  jtiicy  flukes, 
Odors  rich  nnd  pungent  makes ; 
Seated  on  tho  pleasant  (;rass. 
Jest  and  song  the  hunters  pass; 
Then,  tho  rites  to  hunger  paid, 
Careless  ovory  limb  is  laid 
On  the  sweet  and  dewy  glude. 

XI. 

"  '  Twas  a  long  shot  which  struck  that  goose," 
Says  one,  '•  ho  boat  tho  air  so  far ! " 

"  Yes,"  cries  another,  "  and  the  moose 
Some  caution  cost  us ;  hey,  Bizarre  ?  " 

"  Had  he  but  been  thatfioud-liko  boy, 

The  At-o-ta-ho,  greater  joy," 

Answered  Bizarre,  "  within  would  glow  ! 

I  saw  a  wolf,  an  hour  ago, 

Down  in  the  Wild-cat  stroamlet'fl  glen, 


68  Frontenac. 

And  his  fierce  rolliii;;  eye  was  like, 
I  thought,  to  that  youiij;  demon's,  wlien 

T  saw  liiiii  low  Jeraiidenu  strike, 
Before  the  Inn  of  the  Canoe, 
When  his  wild  band  came  trooping  through 
St.  Jjouis'  street,  like  panthers  leaping; 

Oil,  that  an  instant  brief  he  stood 
In  my  good  rifle  Uee-flight's  keeping, 

Ile'd  never  spill  another's  blood!" 
"Why  did  not,"  gay  iinother  cried, 

"  Uee-flight  bore  through  him  in  the  strife?' 
••  As  hard  as  gun  e'er  did  it  tried, 
Hut  fortune  favored  licit  ;  beside 

It  had  to  guard  its  master's  life  !  " 
"  Well,  let  the  At-o-ta-ho  go," 

A  tiiird  one  said  ;  "  we  rannot  reach 

His  fierce  bloodthirsty  heart  with  speech  — 
Come,  come.  Bizarre,  lot  pleasure  flow ! 
Sing,  sing  !  tlie  •  Happy  Hunters  '  swell. 
We  all  can  trip  the  chorus  well !  " 

XII. 

IJizarrc  hemmed  loud,  then  poured  amain. 
Till  the  woods  rang,  his  Ibrest  strain  :  — 


1. 

"  Happy  and  free 
Hunters  are  we, 
Free  as  the  winds  that  roam  so  wide; 


The  Hunters, 

Camping  lit  night, 

Up  with  tho  light, 

IIuiiterH  aro  happy  whatovur  bctido  ! 

Siiout  out  tho  chorus  then, 

Swing  it  out  louder,  lueu  ! 

Sorrow  or  care  eaunot  with  us  abide. 

Hunters  aro  happy  whatever  betide  ! 


69 


2. 

"  Happy  and  free 

Hunters  are  we, 
Free  as  the  clouds  thr.t  above  us  glide  ; 

Scorning  the  worst, 

Hunger  and  thirst, 

Hunters  are  happy  \viiatever  betide  ! 

Shout  out  the  chorus  then. 

Swing  it  out  louder,  men  I 

Sorrow  or  care  cannot  with  us  abide, 

Hunters  are  happy  whatever  betide !  " 


XIII. 

On  pass  the  hours:  the  camp-lire  bright 
Steeps  the  near  leaves  in  bronzing  light. 
And  shifting,  plays  o'er  the  figures  laid. 
In  the  ijenerous  glow,  on  the  grassy  glade. 
Tlie  whetsaw's  tinkle,  the  owl's  loud  shout. 
And  the  ceaseless  chime  of  the  frogs,  ring  out ; 
With  the  neighboring  ("at-a-ra-(|ui's  rush 
.■flaking  profounder  the  midnight  hush. 


70 


Frontenac. 


XIV. 

Silent  arc  the  sentries  sitting  ; 
One  feels  Jozin;,'  visions  flitting 
O'er  his  brain,  while  l';inoy  teeming, 
Riots  through  the  other's  dreaming. 

XV. 

Creeping,  creeping,  onward  creeping, 
Toward  the  sentries,  helples.s  sleeping. 
Through  the  gloom 
Two  figures  come  — 
Are  they  wolves  u|)on  their  way  'i 
Creeping,  creeping,  on  still  creeping. 
Then,  like  lightning,  upward  leaping, 
Fall  they  on  their  siuniberiug  pi'ey. 


XVI. 

Two  flashing  blows,  two  gasps,  once  more 

Silence  broods  for  an  instant  o'er  ; 

Wild  forms  are  then  in  a  circle  round 

The  slumbering  hunters  —  a  blended  sound 

t)f  crushing  rifles,  a  whooping  bound 

Of  the  figures  wild,  and  tlie  camp-lire's  liround 

Is  covered  with  shapes  that  tall  and  ri-se. 

Rise  and  fall,  with  shouta  and  cries 

Pealing,  while  savage  fury  jit'es 

It,«  murderous  work  :  as  liizarre  sank  low, 

An  ember  launched  upward  a  tongue-like  glow; 


The  Bateau.  71 

lie  saw  above  him,  in  glimmering  trace, 

The  liatcd,  yet  feared,  At-o-ta-ho's  face  ; 

The  next,  and  the  swift  curved  knife  ia  gleaming, 

Ilia  scalp  at  the  belt  of  the  chief  is  streaming. 

Out  peals  the  Iroquois'  war-song, —  their  feet 

In  a  dance  of  mad  joy  the  green  i'orest-glade  beat. 

"  Hooh  !  hooh  !  how  the  panther  springs, 
As  flies  the  deer  on  att'righted  wings  l 
Ilooh  !  hooh  !  how  he  rends  his  prey ! 
So  do  the  ()n-on-dah-gahs  slay! 
Hooh  I  whoup  I  how  ho  rends  his  prey  1 
So  do  the  On-on-dah-gahs  slay  I  " 

Then  Dawn  of  >l(irning  points  before 

AV'ith  his  red  knife,  and  in  the  wood 
Parts  with  his  tawny  braves  once  more 

For  other  scenes  of  woe  and  blood. 


THE   BATEAU. 


XVII. 

Morning  is  brightening  with  golden  smiles 
The  beautiful  "  Lake  of  the  Thousand  Isles.' 
Sc;it*ercd  all  over  the  green  flood  lie 
Islands  profuse  as  the  stars  in  the  sky  ; 
Here,  scarce  yielding  a  few  trees  room. 
There,  bearing  upward  a  forest  of  gloom, 
11 


72  Frontenac. 

Breaking  the  wave,  now,  in  broad  expanses, 
That  flashtd  out  like  steel  in  the  morning's  glances. 
And  now  into  vistas  whose  cither  side 
Darkened  with  iuicrmised  shadows  the  tide. 

XVIIl. 

A  sheldrake  by  an  isle  of  wood, 

Within  a  watery  streak  was  steering, 
Dipping  his  green  head  in  the  flood. 

When,  ((uiek  his  bill  of  yellow  rearing. 
With  a  loud  whiz  he  flew  away, 

As  a  gigantic  war-canoc 
Filled  with  a  grim  and  plumed  array 

Of  warriors  wild  came  shooting  through  : 
Amidst  them,  with  his  look  of  pride. 

Was  Dawn  of  Morning,  his  keen  eye 
Scanning  the  tangled  shore  boiidc, 

Till,  toward  a  weeping  elm-tree  nigh, 
Which  in  a  thickly  foliagcd  wreath 

Down  to  the  wave  its  branches  threw. 
He  waved  his  arm,  and  underneath 

Instantly  vanished  the  canoe. 


XIX. 

It  was  not  long  ere  voices  gay 
Broke  on  the  air,  and  a  bateau 

Moved  up  the  furruwirg  narrow  way 
With  its  rough  crew  in  double  row. 

Each  beading  shoulder  strongly  bracing 
Against  the  pole  with  struggling  strain, 


The  Bateau.  73 

Then,  every  one  his  way  letracing, 

To  stoop  down  to  the  toil  again. 
Tlio  long  curved  craft,  the  jackets  red 
Of  the  bent  boatmen,  gliding,  spread 

In  sharp,  soft  lined,  yet  shaken  trace 
Upon  the  water's  rippling  face. 


XX. 

•'  The  sunset's  light,  I  trust,"  said  one, 

"  Antoinc,  will  seo  our  toiling  done." 

"  Aye,  Vigno,  sound  sleep  this  night  we  win 

Fort  Frontenac's  strong  walls  within." 

"  Much  more  than  we,"  Vigne  answering  cried, 

"  Gained  the  last  night — those  screams  and  whoops 
We  heard,  though  in  the  distance,  tried 

My  manhood,  comrades, —  deeply  droops 
My  heart  within  me  as  I  think 

Of  those  poor  hunters  that  we  saw 
At  noon  along  the  river's  brink  ; 

For,  comrades,"  and  a  look  of  awe 
He  glanced  around  him,  "  wo  all  know 

That  Dawn  of  Morning  and  his  braves 
Are  on  the  war-path ! " 

"  Be  it  so," 

Broke  in  a  third,  "  we'll  not  be  slaves. 
We,  boatmen,  wo,  to  abject  fear  : 
I  did  not,  Vig'ic,  thy  whoops  e'en  hear:  ^ 

Those  maringouins !  *  swarm  on  swarm 


t  A  Uttle  vhltc  gnat  fonnd  on  tbc  banks  of  the  St,Lawrenc«. 


74  FiiONTENAO. 

Thronged  all  the  nif^ht  about  my  form; 

The  little  white  fiends  stcmed  as  mad 

To  drink  up  nil  the  blood  I  had." 

"  Cease,"  said  Antoine,  "  the  morn,  at  least, 

Is  bright;  we  taste  it  like  a  least; 

I'll  sing  the  boatman's  well  known  air. 

And  you  must  all  the  chorus  bear." 

"  Push  along,  boys,  push  along,  boys, 

Merrily,  cheerily  pusli  along  ; 
And  while  our  jjrow  makes  merry  music, 

We'll  too  raise  thn  song. 
We'll  too  raise  the  .wng,  my  boys, 

Swift  as  we  push  along ; 
Eacli  to  his  ]iole,  hnys,  bend  to  each  pole,  boys, 

-A.  '  rily,  cheerily  push  aloisg; 
And  while  the  waters  ripple  round  us, 

We'll  too  rai.sc  the  son'.'. 

'•  Push  along,  boy.-<,  pu.sh  along,  boys, 
'•  Merrily,  cheerily"  — 

'•  Hush  !  "  said  Vigne, 

"  I  saw  a  flash  amidst  those  leaves 
Beside,  as  of  some  weapon  keen  I  " 

"Pshaw  !  some  white  birch  thy  sight  deceives," 
Impatiently  another  spoke  — 
'•  On,  let  the  song  again  be  woke!  " 

■  ■  Push  -ilong,  boys,  push  along,  boys, 
Merrily,  cheerily  push  along; 


; 


The  Bateau. 

And  while  the  wave" — 

"  Stay  1  stay  the  fltrain  1 

There  is  no  wind,  and  yet  I  see 
Yon  thicket  fluttering  !     Marli  again 

Tliat  gleam.     Ila !  from  behind  this  tree 
I  saw  a  scalp-lock  peer  I     Beware  ! 
My  comrades."     Just  then  on  the  air 
Broke  crashes  quick,  with  yell  on  yell 
From  the  close  banks ;  the  boatmen  foil  — 
Some  dead,  some  on  their  knees ;  once  more 
A  volley  rings,  and  from  the  shore 
To  the  bateau  fierce  figures  bound, 
Swift  weapons  flash  —  shrieks,  groans,  resound. 


76 


XXI. 

•'  Spare !  spare !  great  At-o-ta-ho,"  cries 
Vigne,  as  his  throat  a  warrior  f^asps; 
But  the  knife  falls;  in  death  ho  gasps 
Ills  rent  scalp  swinging  to  his  eyes  — 
Then  whoops  the  At-o-ta-ho  keen, 
The  warriors  vanish  from  the  scene; 
.\nd  tiic  wild  isle  its  echoes  wakes, 
As  forth  the  savage  war-song  breaks. 


•■Ilooh!  hooh!  how  the  eagle  screams, 

As  the  Mood  of  the  fawn  from  his  talons  streams ! 

Ilooh  1  hooh  I  how  the  woods  ring  out ! 

So  do  the  Oa-on-dah-gahs  shout ! 


T6  Frontenac. 

Hooh !  whoop  1  how  the  woods  ring  out ! 
So  do  the  On-on-dah-gahs  shout ! " 

While  tho  bateau  with  its  strewed  dead, 
Now  straijiht.  now  sidowisc,  swiftly  sped, 
A  face  hero  hanj;inf;  —  there  a  limb, 
O'er  its  stained  sides  :  a  picture  grim ; 
Down  at  the  mercy  of  tho  flood, 
Marking  its  course  with  trickling  blood. 


THE  CARIGNAN  VILLAGE. 

XXII. 

The  sun  had  vanished — a  golden  rim 
Striped  the  western  horizon's  wall; 

Tho  forest  arbors  were  fading  dim. 
Twilight  was  letting  his  mantle  fall. 


XXIU. 

'Twas  a  sweet  landscape.     A  village  stood 

In  a  rough  clearing  enclosed  with  wood. 

Log-built  cabins,  a  palisade. 

Pierced  with  two  gateways,  around  arrayed  ; 

Thence  to  the  ('at.-a-ra-(|ui's  glass. 

Were  wavelike  meadows  of  velvet  grass ; 

Grain  fields  growing,  and  pastures  groen. 


The  Carignan  Village.  77 

Fallows  upottcd  with  stumps  ancJ  black, 
And  forostrchoppings  —  a  choked-up  scene, 

Showing  the  axe's  recent  track. 
AH  else  was  a  wilderncHS,  thickening  to  sight, 
Each  moment  beneath  the  first  shadows  of  night. 


XXIV. 

Oxen  were  plodding  like  snails  along 
To  the  open  gates ;  ond  with  careless  Bong 
The     ttler  was  lounging  behind  ;  the  bleat 
Of  flocks  approaching  their  folds  was  sweet. 
Along  the  paths  of  the  wiudiMg  lanos 
Herd-bells  won'  tinkling  in  fitful  strains, 
The  kino  ni.w  striking,  now  stopping  to  feed. 
While  frequently  neighed  some  scaniporiug  steed. 
Hunters  from  woodlaiid  avenues  canie 
Followed  by  hounds,  and  burthened  with  game  ; 
And  from  the  far  hill-lots  echoed  free 
The  sounding  axe  and  the  cra-hiwg  tree. 
A  sylvan  picture,  this  wiKlwood  land 
Sketches  alone  with  itx  rough  fVesh  hand. 


XXV. 

Over  the  brow  of  a  hill  that  towered 

Auove  this  landscape  —  in  woods  embowered. 

The  shaggy  head  of  a  cedar  shot 

In  a  slanting  line  from  a  hollow  spot. 

Tangled  with  bru.shwood,  and  in  its  breast 

Deeply  his  limbs  had  an  Indian  pressed; 


I 


78  FllONTENAC. 

CftutiouHly,  HtondCustly,  tliri)iij;li  tlie  f;reoii. 
Ho  (Irow  his  oyo  o'or  tlie  villugo  speue, 
Tlion  gliiliiij,'  tldwii  to  the  liollow,  whore 
Kat'li  fthiidowy  bush  wiis  nil  liiJinirH  lair, 
Tlie  At-()-ta-h()  also  i'ouiul 
The  dejitli.s  of  one  of  the  thieket«  round. 


XXVI. 

A  youthful  couple  beguiled  the  night, 
With  talk  hy  the  social  eaiidlolight. 
"One  nhort  year,  ns  man  and  wife, 
Wo,  Marie,  have  .skiinniod  tho  .-.troani  of  life; 
One  Hhort  year  from  to-day  :  hast  thought 
Of  the  lovely  picture  the  sunset  wrought 
The  eve  we  wed  '!     My  sire,  who  then 

Dauced  at  our  glad  merry-making,  said 

ii  put  him  in  mind  of  the  day  ho  wo<l  I 
V^/'v  know  he  was  one  of  I'arignan's  mon  I 
Aiiii  old  Ijcmoyne  says,  none  more  brave 
Mil  saw  tho  flag  of  Carignaii  wave. 
Tiiore  hangs  iiis  sabro,  all  rusty  and  dull  ! 
I  wonder  if  ever  the  blade  I  '11  pull 
From  it8  steel  scabbard  I     Ta-won-doh  the  scout. 

I  hoar,  a  week  since  told  a  few. 

Within  tho  Inn  of  tho  Caiioo, 
At  Quoboc,  that  again  with  the  Iro(|unis  out  ; 
That  Pawn  of  Morning,  iiiHamod  with  wrath 
From  Frontennc's  treatment,  had  taken  the  path; 
And  furthermore.  Mario,  a  courier  saw, 


'i  J 


The  CAHiaNAN  Village. 


79 


'  «t 


A,,  i  , 
Well, 
With  litaas 


Whilst  I  .rending  the  Thousand  Isles  above 
\\">''   ''is  load  ■■     Una,  0  siuht  of  awo, 

"I      poiut  ilio  current  drove, 
luber  the  largo  bateau 
;    "r      llago  two  nights  ago, 
"in      1-0  Bus,  nnd  Vigno, 

ith  tlio  danoo  on  the  ntarlit  greou  I 
.iti;iiu  was,  stained  with  gore, 
and  limbs  liung  ghastly  o'er  — 
Beached  on  (Ik:  point:  ho  approached  with  dread, 
There  lay  the  crow  —  our  poor  boatrniMi  —  dead, 
Scalped  and  mangled,  displaying  plain 
That  Iroquois  dcvil.s  his  friends  had  slain. 
Well,  Marie,  I'm  ready  to  draw  at  word, 
With  my  father's  heart  my  father's  sword  ! 
Hark !  the  wind  rages,  a  stormy  night ! 
I  trust  that  to-morrow  will  rise  up  bright!" 
To-morrow!  Ah,  folly!  Ah,  vanity! 
Who  —  who  can  bo  sure  that  to-morrow  he'll  see  ! 


XXVII. 

Midnight  came,  in  its  sablest  hue, 
With  clouds  on  a  roaring  wind  that  flew; 
Nearer  and  nearer  the  dawn  of  day. 
Wrapped  in  its  slumber  the  village  lay. 


XXVIII. 

From  the  gusty  forests  passed 
Swift  approaching  shapes  at  last. 
12 


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80 


Frontknac. 


They  force  the  gates  of  the  palisade  — 

There  stand  the  dwellings  in  gloomy  shade ; 

Scatter  the  Iroquois  far  and  near ; 

A  moment  more,  and  their  whoop  of  fear 

Peals  out,  succeeded  by  crash  on  crash, 

As  inward  their  hatchets  the  frail  doors  dash  ; 

To  his  rifle  in  vain  tlie  Carignan  flies. 

The  hatchet  gleams  after  —  he  sinks,  he  dies ! 

The  daughter  is  brained  as  she  shrieks  in  dread, 

The  hairs  of  the  grandsirc  are  steeped  in  red. 

Mothers,  imploring  in  anguish,  fall, 

Infants  are  dashed  against  threshold  and  wall. 

Ah,  the  young  husband  I  he  starts  from  his  dream ! 

Ah,  the  young  wife !  she  but  wakens  to  scream ! 

Those  whoopings  and  shrickings,  and  groans  all  around  ! 

The  Iroquois  !  God !  can  no  refuge  be  found ! 

They  glance  from  the  casement,  wild  forms  here  and  there 

Shoot  past,  weapons  glitter,  shots  stream  through  the  air ! 

The  husband  has  drawn  forth  the  sword  of  his  sire, 

And  he  stands  by  the  barred  door  with  aspct  of  fire, 

While  trembling,  half  frenzied,  his  3Iarie  is  nigh. 

"Oh,  husband!  oh,  husband!"  her  agonized  cry; 

"  My  brain  reels !  oh.  Virgin,  most  holy !  we  flee 

In  this  time  of  our  need  for  protection  to  thee ! 

Let  us  hide !  no,  the  torch  will  be  here  too,  we'll  gain 

The  forest,  we'll  steal  through  the  herds  in  the  lane ! 

Come,  husband !  oh,  husband,  come !  haste !  let's  begone  ! 

Oh,  God  !  'tis  too  late !  here  their  glances  are  drawn ! " 

Ha,  that  shock !  she  screams  wildly,  down  crashes  the  door, 

And  a  brave  bursts  upon  them  with  tomahawk  o'er. 


The  Gabignan  Villaqb. 


81 


"  Spare,  spare,  Dawn  of  morning  I "  but  downward  it  sinks, 
The  blood  of  the  husband  laid  prostrate  it  drinks  j 
The  brave  plants  his  foot  on  the  neck  of  the  slain, 
And  down  falls  the  gore-dripping  hatchet  again ; 
The  wife  plunges  headlong,  her  sorrows  are  o'er, 
The  couple  shall  sit  at  the  hearthstone  no  more. 


XXIX. 

Still  flies  round  with  delight  the  brand. 
Flames  flash  out  upon  every  hand ; 
Over,  the  clouds  are  bathed  in  red ; 
A  glaring  horizon  around  is  spread ; 
The  tops  of  the  woods  seem  to  stagger  in  smoke ; 
All  the  wild  life  of  their  depths  has  awoke, 
Eagle  and  panther,  and  wolf  and  bear. 
Screaming  and  howling  and  snarling  there ; 
Bleut  with  the  Iroquois  war-song  loud. 
Pealing  from  out  of  the  smoky  shroud. 


"  Hooh  !  hooh !  how  the  sharpened  knife 
Has  gleamed  again  in  the  war-path's  strife ! 
Hooh  !  hooh  I  like  the  lightning  red. 
The  On-on-dah-gahs  have  flashed  in  dread  1 
Hooh !  whoop  I  like  the  lightning  red. 
The  On-on-dah-gahs  have  flashed  in  dread !" 


82 


Frontenao. 


At  midnight  the  village  drew  slumber's  sweet  breath. 
At  dawn  it  was  hushed  in  the  stillness  of  death ; 
At  midnight  roofs  rose  in  the  wild  gusty  air, 
At  dawn  a  wild  waste  of  dark  ashes  was  there; 
While  the  fierce  At-o-ta-ho,  more  vengeance  to  claim, 
Was  again  on  his  war-path  of  carnage  and  flame. 


THE  13RIGANTINE. 


XXX. 


In  the  soft  twilight's  darkening  glow, 
Near  the  wild  shores  of  Ontario, 
Where  points  of  wilderness  form  a  bay, 
Now  changing  its  hues  to  one  shade  of  gray. 
Three  crowded  canoes  of  Iroquois  braves 

Are  gliding;  in  one  Dawn  of  Morning,  now 
Bending  his  ear  to  the  glassy  waves. 

In  front  then  looking  with  anxious  brow. 
Sudden  he  speaks,  and  the  prows  turn  quick 
To  where  a  cluster  of  spruces  thick 
Slants  o'er  the  waters,  their  shaggy  woof 
Shaping  there  an  impervious  roof. 
And  in  the  black  shadow  beneath  it  thrown 
Each  glides,  and  the  scene  to  all  seeming  is  lone. 
But  dashes  are  heard,  and  a  brigantine  creeps 
Round  one  of  the  points  to  the  push  oT  her  sweeps ; 


The  Brioaniine. 

Then  dropping  her  anchor  the  beautiful  bark 
Motionless  sits  in  the  gathering  dark. 


88 


XXXI. 

A  group  of  seamen  surrounds  the  mast; 
The  stream  of  their  converse  is  free  and  fast. 
"  The  Griffin,"  says  one,  "  was  strong  and  fleet; 

I  saw  her,  some  two-score  years  ago, 
Launched  on  Niagara's  rapid  sheet, 

Near  where  the  cataract  rolls  below ; 
The  Sieur  La  Salle  and  his  gallant  crew, 

And  good  father  Hennepin,  learned  and  meek. 
Stood  on  her  decks  as  she  downward  drew. 

And  kissed,  with  a  curtsey,  the  river's  cheek ; 
The  Iroquois  At-o-ta-ho  too, 

Ku-an  was  there,  and  with  his  glance 
Of  dread  ^icowled  Ta-yo-ncc  beside,  who  slew 

His  sister  whom  Frontenac  brought  from  France. 
They  were  then  on  the  war-path  in  which  they  fell, 
Both  of  the  chieftains  knew  I  well ! " 
"  What  tales,"  said  another,  "  of  blood  we  hear 
From  the  now  At-o-ta-ho ;  deeds  of  fear 
By  this  young  Dawn  of  Morning  so  constant  are  done, 
That  a  score  of  warriors  he  seems  in  one ! 
The  Carignan  village  St.  Mi6  you  know. 

Near  the  foot  of  the  Thousand  Isles  —  it  stood 
In  its  pleasant  clearing  three  days  ago, 

'  Tis  a  waste  of  ashes  now,  slaked  with  blood ; 


84 


Fbontenac. 


The  At-o-ta-ho  led  his  band 

On  it  with  hatchet  and  with  brand; 

Not  a  dwelling  now  rises  there  — 

Not  a  soul  did  his  fury  spare — 

Frontenac  well  the  day  should  rue, 

When  the  wrath  of  the  savage  he  kindled  anew." 


XXXII. 

The  frog's  hoarse  bassoon,  the  loon's  sorrowful  shake, 
Alone  the  deep  hush  of  the  scene  now  awake ; 
The  sailor  thinks  fond  on  his  watch,  of  the  spot 
Where  rises  mid  vineyards  his  dear  native  cot. 
Once  more  his  free  footsteps  press  valley  and  plain; 
Once  more  the  glad  harvest  is  sounding  its  strain ; 
He  is  there  —  ho  is  there  in  his  home  of  delight  — 
Ho  starts,  he  looks  round,  the  lake  gleams  on  his  sight, 
But  the  starlightcd  hush  again  falls  on  his  soul, 
And  his  thoughts  again  fly  far  away  to  their  goal. 


XXXIII. 

A  haze  has  now  spread  a  thick  mantle  of  gray. 

The  waters  are  hidden,  the  stars  shrink  away; 

From  the  roof  of  dark  cedars  quick  movement))  begin. 

How  silently,  silently,  onwards  they  win  1 

Still  silently,  silently,  every  canoe 

Still  urged  the  gray  waters  invisibly  through. 

Like  barks  from  the  spirit-land,  spectral  and  dim. 

So  still  fall  the  paddles,  so  light  is  their  skim ; 


The  Brigantine. 


86 


Still  silently,  silonfly,  onwards  they  glide, 
Thoy  reach  without  question  the  brigantino's  side ; 
ForniB  spring  up  the  vessel  —  hush  !  hush  !  not  a  sound ! 
They  peer  o'er  the  bulwarks,  the  sleepers  are  round : 
They  grasp  now  their  hatchets,  all  caution  is  past, 
To  the  deck,  to  the  deck,  they  are  bounding  at  last! 
Up,  up !  Dawn  of  Morning  the  foremost  is  there ! 
Quick,  quick !  how  their  shouts  ring  abroad  on  the  air ! 
Upstart  the  pale  sleepers,  and  wildered  by  fright, 
And  with  senses  still  swimming,  they  stand  to  the  fight, 
Hand  to  hand  is  the  battle,  clash  cutlass  and  knife ! 
Clash  steel-pike  and  hatchet ;  wild,  wild  is  the  strife ! 
Ho,  the  young  At-o-ta-ho !  his  eyeballs  are  flame, 
And  the  blood  of  his  foes  is  splashed  over  his  frame ! 
At  the  sweep  of  his  hatchet  one  plunges  in  death ! 
At  the  dart  of  his  knife  gasps  another  for  breath ! 
God  save  the  poor  seamen  !  no  succor  is  nigh ! 
Christ  save  the  poor  seamen  !  they  struggle  to  die ! 
They  are  borne  to  the  deck,  o'er  the  sides  are  they  cast; 
The  water  grows  red  round  the  brigantine  fast. 
Till  nothing  remains  of  the  crew  but  the  dead, 
Then  over  the  vessel  deep  silence  is  spread. 
Off  darts  the  canoes,  smoke  the  doomed  bark  surrounds. 
On  the  lines  of  the  rigging  flame  flashes  and  bounds, 
Red  pennons  stream  out  from  the  red-circled  mast, 
A  glare  all  around  on  the  vapor  is  cast. 
The  waters  blush  crimson ;  but  wildly  and  high 
The  Iroquois  war-song  goes  up  to  the  sky. 

"  Hooh  !  hooh  !  how  the  hungry  fire 

Has  wrapped  the  French  in  its  leaping  ire ! 


86 


Frontenac. 


Hooh  1  hooh  I  liko  the  torrent'8  flood, 
The  On-on-dah-gahs  have  rushed  in  blood ! 
Hooh !  whoop  I  like  the  torrent's  flood, 
The  On-on-dah-gahs  have  rushed  in  blood  I 


BND  OP  CANTO  THIRD. 


*  -' 


CANTO  FOURTH. 


THE  THANKSGIVING 
DANCE. 

THE  DANCE  OF  THE 
GREAT  SPIRIT. 

KOLAH. 


THE  EXPEDITION. 

THE  BIVOUAC. 

THE  ABDUCTION. 

THE  RESCUE  AND 
DEATH. 


18 


CANTO  FOURTH. 


THE  THANKSGIVING  DANCE. 

I. 
S'^RIOHT  ushering  in  the  day  of  feast 

For  Dawn  of  Morning's  safe  return 

From  his  rod  path  of  anger  stern, 
The  dawn  was  flickoriug  in  the  east. 
As  the  rich  tints  began  to  spread, 

Bravo,  sachem,  sire,  boy,  matron,  maid, 
By  the  Priest  To-ue-.sah-hali  led 
In  a  lung  file,  slow  treading,  wound 
Thrice  the  Tcar-jia-ta-yo  around; 

Then  through  the  maize  fields  sought  the  shade. 

Where  lay  the  customed  offoring-glado. 
There  at  a  pile  of  faggots  dry, 

Heaped  with  dew-spangled  forest  flowers. 

Just  gathered  from  their  sylvan  bowers, 
The  At-o-ta-ho  standing  by. 

As  the  sun  showed  its  upper  rim. 
The  gray-haired  priest,  with  upturned  eye. 

To  HahAVon-nc-yo  raised  the  hymn. 
The  sun-iii't'u  calumet  ho  bore. 
Sending  its  light  smoke-offering  o'er. 


90 


Fkontknac. 


1. 

Hnh-wen-no-yo !     Mighty  Spirit  I 

Ilumblo  timnlcs  to  tiieo  wo  rondor. 
Iliih-wcn-no-yo!    Spirit  viwt  1 
Tliiit  to  our  loviul  At-o-t«-ho, 

At-o-tn-lio,  great  and  iiigh, 
Thou  hoMt  been  a  kind  Jefoiidor 
In  the  war-pntli  llmt  U  past, 

Warpath  stained  with  deepest  dye. 
And  that  Hale,  O  wine  Creator  ! 
Wise  Creator,  dwelling  o'er! 
Ho  returns  to  us  ouco  luoro. 


"  Ilah-wcn-no-yo  1     Mighty  Spirit ! 
Thou  art  to  our  league  a  father, 
Ilali-wen-ne-yo  !     Spirit  good  I 
And  around  our  At-o-ta-ho, 

At-o-ta-ho,  chief  of  fauio. 
Thou  dost  robe  of  Bafety  gather 
In  the  war-path  past  of  blood, 

War-path  filled  with  blood  and  flame. 
And  thus  safe,  wise  llah-wen-no-yo  ! 
Wise  Creator,  dwelling  o'er  I 
He  returns  to  us  once  more. 


."      T,...  ^      .    .  J 


Tub  Dance  of  the  Great  Spirit. 


f)l 


n. 

Ho  conaod  —  otruclc  ntoul  and  flint,  aud  firo 
Olittorud  in  dntH  iipou  tiiu  |)yro; 
Tliun,  OH  tlioiifl'uriiig  sunt  itH  Hniuko 
Uu  \un\\,  tho  bruvuH  tliuir  dnnco  nwoico ; 
Wliilnt  Spiiric  of  Sunligiit  by  tlio  fliimo, 

Tiiu  rocking  Htiiniping  rin^  witiiin, 
I'riilMod  Ntill  thu  Iliili-wun-uu-yu's  nuiuo, 

Auiid  thodruin'M*  pulMntinf,'  din. 
But,  uH  piiHHcd  off  tlio  niornin^'H  Hlmdo, 
Tho  sncrifioial  ritos  wore  Htiiyod 
Until  tho  NuuHot'H  dipping;  liK^'^i 

Wlicn  Dnwn  of  Morninj;,  at  tho  hoad 
Of  nil  hid  bruvoH,  would,  in  itH  sight, 

Tho  dancu  of  lluh-wun-no-yo  troad. 

III. 
Ploasuro  meanwhile  ruled  ovory  8oul, 

Tho  bird-liko  ball  ttwiil  Hoarod  on  high  ; 
Tho  Htruining  rncora  sought  tho  goal, 

Aud  niookiug  war-whoopa  rent  tho  sky. 


THE  DANCE  OF  THE  OllEAT  SPIRIT. 


IV. 


But  now  tho  sun,  in  its  dosuont, 

Its  rich  and  strotchiug  radiance  bent ; 


•  Qa-nn-ytb  In  Iroquola. 


92  Frontknao. 

Suddenly  Spark  of  Sunlight  boat 

A  great  drum,  planted  iu  the  square : 
Censed  war-whoop  shrill,  paused  flying  feet, 

The  ball  no  longer  whirled  in  air ; 
And  as  once  more  together  came 

The  village  throng,  his  lodge  from  out, 

Aiiiid  a  general  joyful  shout 
Stepped  Dawn  of  Morning's  graceful  frame, 
The  close  white  robe  was  o'er  his  breast; 
The  snowy  plume  beside  his  crest; 
His  right  hand  grasped  a  bow  sketched  o'er 
With  deeds ;  his  left  an  arrow  bore. 

V. 

Ho  strode  with  slow  majestic  pace 
To  where  his  chiefest  warriors  *  stood 

Armed  like  himself;  then  all  the  place 
Left  for  the  sacrificial  wood. 

Heading  the  long  and  dusky  file, 
At  length  the  At-o-ta-ho  checked 
His  footstep  iu  the  glade  now  decked 

With  the  soft  sunset's  sinking  smile. 


VI. 

The  women  lined  in  groups  the  scene. 
Fastening  upon  the  braves  their  sight, 

As  they  upon  the  floor  of  green, 
Prepared  to  celebrate  the  rite ; 

*  Ko-ao-no-wabna in  tho On-oadah-gah  tongae. 


Thh  Dance  of  the  Great  Spirit. 

While  age  and  childhood  sought  tho  shade 
That  thickly  edged  tho  sylvan  glade. 


98 


VII. 

The  braves,  with  arrow  and  with  bow 
In  either  head,  gazed  steadfastly 

Upon  the  sun,  whose  parting  glow 

Streamed  down  the  glade's  green  vista  free. 

And  as  the  west's  rim  felt  its  flame 

The  At-o-ta-ho  forward  came. 

Quick  swinging  'n  a  dance  his  frame; 

And  in  a  mild ..  ■1  mellow  blaze, 
Whore  a  soft  golden  carpet  shone, 
Began,  in  quavering  guttural  tone, 

The  Hah-wen-ne-yo's  hymn  to  raise. 

1. 

"  Mighty,  mighty  Hah-wen-ne-yo  I 

Spirit  pure  and  mighty !  hear  us  1 
We  thine  own  Ilo-de-no-sonne, 

Wilt  thou  bo  for  ever  near  us ! 
Keep  the  sacred  flame  still  burning  I 

Guide  our  chase !  our  planting  cherish  ! 
Make  our  warriors'  hearts  yet  taller ! 

Let  our  foes  before  us  perish  ! 
Kindly  watch  our  waving  harvests ! 

Make  each  sachem's  wisdom  deeper ! 
Of  our  old  men,  of  our  women, 

Of  our  children  bo  the  keeper ! 
Mighty,  holy  Ilah-wen-nc-yo  ! 

Spirit  ptirc  and  mighty !  hear  us ! 


94  Prontenac. 

We  thine  own  Ho-de-no-sonne, 
Wilt  thou  be  for  ever  near  us  I 


"  Mighty,  mighty  Hah-wen-ne-yo ! 

Thou  dost,  Spirit  purest,  greatest ! 
Love  thine  own  Ho-de-no-sonne, 

Thou  as  well  their  focmcn  hatest ! 
Panther's  heart  and  eye  of  eagle. 

Moose's  foot  and  fox's  cunning. 
Thou  dost  give  our  valiant  people 

When  the  war-path's  blood  is  running; 
But  the  eye  of  owl  in  daylight. 

Foot  of  turtle,  heart  of  woman. 
Stupid  brain  o    bear  in  winter, 

To  our  valiant  people's  foenien  ! 
Mighty,  holy  Ilah-wen-ne-yo  I 

Spirit  pure  and  mighty!  hear  us  I 
We  thine  own  Ho-de-no-sonne, 

Wilt  thou  be  for  ever  near  us  I " 


viu. 

As  ceased  the  strain,  a  warrior  band, 
Arrow  and  bow  reared  high  in  hand. 
Arranged  their  files,  and  wildly  da-slieil 
Into  a  dance  with  eyes  that  flashed  : 
Now  toward  the  west,  and  now  o'orhoad. 


Ko-LAH. 

Timing  thoir  chantings  to  their  tread ; 
While  frequently  the  war-whoop  rung 
In  thrilling  cadence  from  their  tongue  j 
The  dull  dead  drum-stroke  sounding  low, 
Like  the  deep  distant  partridge-blow. 


95 


IX. 

With  mingled  grace  and  dignity 

The  At-o-ta-ho  led  the  dance ; 
To  Hah-wen-ne-yo  now  the  knee 

Bending,  with  lifted  reverent  glance. 
Now  springing  to  his  feet,  with  eye 

Fixed  where  the  sun  had  fall'n  below, 
Leaving  within  the  cloudless  sky 

A  spot  of  tenderest,  yellowest  glow. 


KO-LAH. 


The  rite  was  o'er  —  the  throngs  were  gone  j 
The  lovely  sylvan  glade  was  lone. 
The  air  grew  dimmer  yet  and  dimmer. 
Till  outlines  all  began  to  glimmer  j 
The  sassafras  commenced  to  mingle 

With  the  soft  air-breaths  fluttering  round, 
O'erpowering,  with  its  fragrance  single, 

The  other  odors  of  the  ground ; 

14 


96  Frontenac. 

While  n  young  moon,  with  timid  glance, 
Looked  down  from  heaven's  undinnucd  expanse ; 
Her  touch  so  faint  on  nil  beneath, 
It  scorned  'twould  vanish  at  a  breath. 


XI. 

By  On-on-da-ga's  *  grassy  side, 

An  arrow's  passage  from  the  glade, 
III  meltiiiL:  tints  the  waters  dyed, 

The  sad  but  lovely  Robin  strayed. 
Oh,  did  she  come  of  him  to  dream 
Beside  the  solitary  stream  ! 
Her  sighs 'to  mingle  with  tlie  ■breeze 
That  crept  so  softly  through  the  trees  I 
She  heard  the  river's  murmuring  flow. 
Filling  the  spot  with  music  low  ; 
She  saw  the  branches  by  the  wind 

In  light  and  graceful  motions  moved. 
And  all  were  blended  in  her  mind 

With  him  so  fondly,  deeply  loved. 
The  sound  was  like  that  voice  her  ear 
Oft  bent  in  l)reathless  joy  to  hear ; 
The  softly  swaying  branch  o'erhead 
Was  like  that  lithe  and  springing  tread  ; 
Yet  ah  !  in  vain,  in  vain,  she  knew 
Love  o'er  her  heart  its  witchery  throw  ; 
The  eagle  with  his  soaring  crest, 
Pi.sdaincd  the  robin's  lowly  nest. 

•  Kun-da-qut  in  Iroqaoia,  name  for  tbc  On^on-da-gii  rircr  or  creek 


-KO-LAU. 


97 


XII. 

As  thus  she  mused,  from  out  the  wood 
Sudden  a  brave  before  her  stood. 
Hatchet,  fusee,  and  knife  he  bore, 
With  the  red  cloak  his  shoulders  o'er ; 
His  brow  was  frowning,  yet  a  smile 
Seemed  called  upon  his  face  the  while, 
Like  a  pale  straggling  moonbeam  shot 
Within  some  wild  and  gloomy  spot. 


XIII. 

She  started,  and  a  scream  suppressed, 

Then  lifted  high  her  form,  and  turned ; 
IJut  in  her  path,  with  laboring  breast 

And  a  fierce  eye  like  fire  that  burned, 
The  warrior  planted  firm  his  tread, 
And  in  soft  honied  accents  said  : 
"  The  llobin  seeks  to  leave  in  fear 

One  who  has  loved  her  deep  and  long ; 
Will  ne'er  in  Ko-lah's  raptured  ear 

The  Robin  trill  responsive  song  ?" 
"  Has  not  The  Robin,  Ko-lah  oft 

Told  that  she  cannot  love  ?  " 

"  Her  heart 
At  Dawn  of  Morning's  glance  is  soft ! " 

"  Cease,  cease.  The  Robin  will  depart ! " 
•'  Not  till  she,  Ko-lah  hears !  —  that  slave. 
That  At-o-ta-ho !  that  mock  brave ! 
That  coward  dog !  who  does  not  dare 


98 


Fbontenac. 


Like  us  to  Icavo  his  bosom  bare, 
But  ever  with  that  robo  of  white 
Keeps  it  close  liiddcn  from  the  sight, 
As  if  he  feared  an  eye  should  see 
The  deer-Iikc  heart  within  him  —  ho 
Shall  not  The  Robin  have!" 

"  Away, 
The  Robin  will  no  lonper  stay !  " 
The  warrior's  strong  grasp  stayed  her  path. 
His  shape  dilated  with  his  wrath  ; 
lie  clenched  his  hand  as  if  to  beat 
Her  trembling  frame  beneath  his  feet; 
Then  swept  the  frenzied  tempest  o'er, 
And  in  soft  tones  he  spoke  once  more : 
"  Listen  !  thou  know'st  a  moon  ago 
Wc  young  men  went  to  strike  a  blow 
Against  the  dist^iut  Cherokces. 
Look  !  the  sweet,  warbling  Robin  sees 
This  little  flower  I  their  grassy  floor 
Of  open  woods  is  covered  o'er 
With  blossoms  thick  as  Night's  bright  eyes, 
And  brilliant  as  the  glorious  dyes 
Of  Hah-weu-nc-yo's  bow,  when  he 
Makes  the  red  lightning*  backward  flee. 
Their  breath  scenta  every  wind  that  blows. 
Like  that  The  Robin's  lips  unclose ; 
The  moon  is  like  The  Robin's  face. 
The  morn  and  eve  her  blushing  cheeks. 


!-, 


*  Ta-wen  nc-niu  In  Iroqaoii. 


t, 


KO-LAH. 

And  birds  tho  hours  with  music  chase, 

Sweetly  ns  that  The  Robin  speaks ; 
Look  !  my  war-pirogue  *  floata  below, 
The  Robin  will  with  Ko-lah  go 
To  that  bright  land." 

"  Unclasp  thy  hold, 

How  darest  thou !    Set  The  Robin  free ! 

She  will  not  go,  fierce  bravo,  with  thoel" 
'•  Then  Ko-lah  takes  thee ! "    In  the  fold 
Of  his  strong  arm  her  trembling  frame 

He  swept,  and  toward  the  river  went. 
The  Robin  shrieked,  and  forth  the  name. 
The  deepest  in  her  bosom  shrined 
The  foremost  ever  in  her  mind. 

Of  Dawn  of  Morning  loud  she  sent. 


99 


XIV. 

As  if  that  cry  his  presence  woke. 
Out  from  the  woods  a  figure  broke. 
One  hand  a  glittering  hatchet  clenched. 
The  shrieking  maid  the  other  wrenched 
From  the  base  Ko-lah,  who,  thus  foiled 
In  his  dark  purpose,  back  recoiled 
With  burning  rage,  yet  abject  dread. 
Stamped  wildly  on  his  visage  red. 
And  gazed  in  fixed  afi'righted  stare 
On  Dawn  of  Morning  towering  there ; 
AVho  looked  on  him  in  turn,  his  form 
Loftily  swelling  with  a  storm 


*  Kah-wfl-yah  In  Iroqaols, 


100 


Fkontenac. 


Of  high  disiliiin,  jot  burntiiig  wrath, 
As  if  tho  reptile  in  Km  path 
To  crush;  but  from  his  features  passed 
The  nuger,  and  ho  said  at  last, 
Lifting  his  figure  to  his  height, 
With  eye  that  shed  disdainful  light 
And  pointing  his  contemptuous  finger 
Before  him,  "  Why  does  Ko-lah  linger !  " 
Then  as  the  wretch  shrank,  cowering  low, 
As  if  he  would,  yet  dared  not  spring. 
Ho  felt  in  heart  so  base  a  thing. 
The  At-o-ta-ho  uttered  "do!" 
And  looked  at  him  so  stern  and  high 
That,  shuddering  from  his  searching  eye. 
The  savage  turned  ;  and  when  again, 
In  accents  of  more  deep  disdain. 
The  At-o-ta-ho  his  command 
Spoke,  sweeping  out  his  pointing  hand, 
With  a  low  cry  of  rage,  yet  mien 
Weighed  down  by  fear,  he  left  the  scene. 


XV. 

The  At-o-ta-ho,  with  a  look 

Of  deep  and  pitying  kindness,  took 

The  hand  of  the  half  shrinking  maid, 

With  pleasure  IJu-'^hing,  trembling  now. 
Longing  to  thank  him.  yet  afraid 

To  lift  her  moist  eyes  to  his  brow. 
Or  speak  K-st  glance  or  word  betray 
How  deep  within  her  heart  his  sway; 


The  Expedition.  101 

Then  loft  tbo  river  —  passed  the  gla Jo 
And  bolt  of  wood — and  trod  the  luuizc 
By  one  of  its  four  tjuarteriug  ways 

All  stooped  in  dusk,  until  ho  made 

Tho  glimmorinj^  palisades  —  then  straij,'ht 

Both  entered  at  tho  closing  gate. 


THE  EXPEDITION. 

XVI. 

Pacing  tho  Castle's  gallery, 
Over  tho  verge  of  tho  rock  outspread, 

Whence  the  vision  roamed  far  and  free, 
Slow  passed  Frontenao's  musing  tread. 

Back  in  golden  and  sapphire  blazo 

Sent  tho  river  tho  sunset  rays ; 

Below  were  tho  roofs  of  tho  warehouses,  bright 

In  straggling  and  long-reaching  pensilos  of  light, 

Though  dim  wore  the  streets,  with  forms  dwarfed  small 

Creeping  between  the  buildings  tall ; 

Down  tho  vale  of  St.  Charles  shot  a  mellow  beam. 

But  hid  in  tho  depths  of  its  bed  was  tho  stream ; 

Above  it  a  pinion  of  hovering  mist 

By  the  soft  yellow  sun  into  splendor  was  kissed ; 

Between,  broad  meadow  and  level  grain 

Smiled  in  the  hour's  enchanting  reign ; 

While  on  the  basin's  lake-like  breast 

Was  tho  long  spread  island  in  lustre  dressed. 

Dividing  the  flood  that  but  parted  to  moot, 

And  sink  like  a  vassal  at  Ocean's  feet. 


102 


Fbontbnac. 


XVII. 

It  wot)  n  Hwcct  and  placid  hour, 

Wlioii  purest  feelings  nnd  tlmughfn  hnd  power, 

And  the  stern  old  soldier  felt  his  breast 

Hushing  itself  into  holy  rest ; 

But  the  cares  of  his  rule  again  bore  sway  — 

The  angels  flew  from  his  heart  away  — 

A  figure  approached  him  :  ••  Ha,  Lavergue  I 

Welcome  !  for  thee  is  a  duty  stern  ! 

Hand  thee  together  a  hundred  men  ! 

Hasten  and  sweep  every  hill  and  glen 

Where'er  thou  canst  meet  with  the  Iroiiuois  foe, 

And  scourge  them  with  bloody  unsparing  blow  ! 

Take  too  this  Ko-luli  to  be  thy  guide, 

The  Indian  who  joined  us  last  even-tide  ; 

1  think  we  way  trust  him  I     Some  wrongs,  he  said. 

The  proud  At-o-t«-ho  liad  heaped  on  bis  head. 

Away,  and  when  next  thy  face  I  see. 

Thou  kuowest  what  tidings  will  gladden  me  I" 


THE  BIVOUAC. 

XVIII. 


The  moon  in  glorious  beauty  glowed ; 

The  heavens  were  one  resplendent  sheet, 
And  her  white  lustrous  mantle  flowed 

Over  the  forests  at  her  feet. 


The  Bivouac. 


108 


But  only  horo  and  there  ii  ray 

Of  silver  pierced  n  Hunkcii  (,'lon 
O'orhung  by  trees,  scorco  light  by  day, 

In  which  were  hid  a  throng  of  men, 
Couriers  do  bois  with  hunting-shirt, 

Blue-girdled  llurons  of  Loretto, 
And  pikemen  in  their  buff-coats  girt, 

Wore  in  this  gloomy  hollow  met. 
Armed  with  their  different  weapons  all, 
As  if  prepared  for  instant  call. 
A  youth  beneath  a  hemlock's  height. 
Stood  with  plumed  hat,  and  cuirass  bright, 
With  an  old  pikcmau  at  his  side. 
Erect  and  grim  in  martial  pride, 
Each  viewing  the  wild  bivouac  round ; 
Some  stretched  at  ease  upon  the  ground ; 
Some  busy  at  their  sylvan  meal ; 
Some  causing  fragrant  wreaths  to  steal 
Their  hatchet-calumets  from  out; 
With  others,  chattering,  grouped  about. 
At  length  he  spoke :    "  No  more  delay. 
La  Croix !  this  moon  will  guide  our  way ! 
We-un-dah  —  such  our  captive's  name. 
Doubtless  a  chief  of  power  and  fame, 
So  high  his  pride  —  by  morning's  light 

May  by  his  tribe  bo  missed,  and  thus 
Liugeriug  near  Dawn  of  Morning,  might 

To  my  small  force  prove  dangerous. 
And  Ko-lali !  he  is  gone  I  hear. 
The  dog  1  his  treachery  too  I  fear  ! 
15 


104 


fjlOJfTENAO. 


liasu.',  k«t(i>.  //(^  Croix :  prt'pnro  tlio  mou ! 
ThU  iastaut  iuu«tt  we  loavu  tho  gluu." 


THE  ABDUCTION. 

XIX. 

Tho  Bamo  broad  moon  —  ni^ht'H  radiant  quooD ! 

Wiix  Hiuilin((  un  n  diffurunt  Hcuno. 

Tho  Ou-un-duli-Kuh  iiiaizv-iiuldH  Klcnuicd, 

Tho  rivor  fliuthi'd,  tho  woods  woro  bright, 
Aud  tho  low  rouiidod  ludgos  aoomcd 

Oroat  silver  hoImct«  in  tho  light; 
(iroiit  ax  thoHo  ua«i(uu.s  tiio  funiix  of  stone 
J>iMjiiayod  —  foriiw  tcrriblu,  uiiitnuwu! 
Told  by  tho  Hires  with  Hhuddoriiig  i'right, 
Tiint  caiuo  in  their  doHtroying  might, 
Till  pitying  Hah-wen-Mc-yo  cant 
Destruction  on  their  heads  at  last. 


XX. 

Within  tho  slanting  picket's  shade, 
Outside  the  gate.  The  Robin  strayed 
Id  all  her  sorrowing  beauty's  prido. 
Her  friend,  The  Hlossoiu,*  at  her  side ; 
In  silence  '  nth  were  bound  ;  —  tho  one 
Was  dwelling  on  her  being's  sun, 

•  O-uU-ea  In  OnK>n.d«b-gib. 


TnB  AitDit'Tios. 

Whoiio  kind,  kind  lookx  and  worda,  when  loat 

By  liiN  lier  timid  footHlep  pnnsed, 

Hud  duupvnud  lovo  within  hor  heart, 

Which  only  cotild  with  life  duport; 

With  Ko-lah  rining  like  n  cloud, 

Kver  thot  hour's  Hwcot  light  to  Rhroud; 

The  other,  in  hor  nympathy, 

Mutu  in  hor  itpeooh,  but  with  quick  view 
Noting  tho  distant  Htrcam  —  tho  tree 

At  hand — thoroaiso  —  the  raoon  —  tho  dew- 
And  thinking  with  delight  perchance, 
Upon  Honio  future  feoMt-day  dnnee, 
Or  on  80U10  youth  whoso  duedii  had  wove 
Around  hor  heart  tho  not  of  lovo. 

XXI. 

Tho  two  alono  disturbed  tho  scono, 
Hlceping  beneath  tho  droiiuiy  sheen ; 
The  sunset  bruezo  had  sank  to  rest 
l^pon  tho  forest's  leafy  breast ; 
While  tho  fiold-cricket's  silvery  trill 
Made  tho  deep  sileuoo  deeper  still. 


XXII. 
But  as  they  passed  a  thicket,  dashed 
An  Indian  out, —  his  hatchot  floshcd, — 
The  Blossom  fell  in  blood ; —  ho  caught, 
Tho  swooning  Robin, —  then  liko  thought 
Rushed  througli  tho  luaize,  and  struck  the  woods, 
And  skimmed  tho  moonlight  solitudes 


106  Frontenac. 

With  a  fleet  foot  that,  as  it  sped, 

Seemed  drawing  strength  at  every  tread, 

Till  a  short  league  bad  flown,  and  then 

Entered  a  gloomy,  shaggy  glen ; 

Through  a  wild  throng,  unheeding,  passed. 

Who  seemed  in  preparations  fast 

About  to  leave  the  shadowy  dell ; 

And,  striding  where  a  moonbeam  fell 

Upon  a  plumed  and  cuirassed  youth, 

"  Ko-lah  "  exclaimed,  ''would  prove  his  truth  ! 

See,  brave  of  Yon-non-de-yoh !  here"  — 

Down  placing  as  his  feet  the  maid 
Who,  now  recovering,  looked  in  fear 

Bewildered  round,  while  accents  strayed 
Hurried  and  broken  from  her  lips, 
Betokening  the  mind's  eclipse; 
•'  Is  Dawn  of  Morning's  pulse  of  life! " 

Then  his  fierce  eye  more  venomous  grew. 

He  hissed  the  words  his  clenched  teeth  through, 
••  Hoohl     Yon-non-de-yoh  has  a  knife!" 


THE  RESCUE  AND  DEATH.  . 

XXIII. 

I'p  Mountain  street's  steep  winding  track. 
As  evening's  mists  began  to  curl. 

Two  of  the  guards  of  Frontenac 
Went  with  a  stag-like  Indian  girl. 


The  Rescue  and  Death. 


107 


Upon  their  left,  in  glimpses  seen, 
The  low  and  straggling  huts  between. 
The  rock,  where  stood  the  castle,  stooped 
Sheer  down,  then  sloped  with  thickets  grouped. 
The  battery  flanking  it  they  passed. 
Entered  the  Place  d'Armes  spreading  vast, 
Thence,  through  the  opened  sallyport. 
And,  crossiiig  the  broad  castle  court, 
Said  to  the  sentry  at  the  door, 
"  Speech  of  the  noble  Governor!" 

XXIV. 

Within  a  room,  the  gallery  next, 

Where  hung  a  cresset  from  its  beam, 
Sat  Frontenac,  his  forehead  vexed 

With  musing,  in  the  ruddy  gleam 
That  faded  gradually  away. 

Till  lost  in  nooks  and  angles  low 
Save  where  glanced  back  by  antlers  gray. 

Or  where  a  corselet  caught  a  glow. 
Upon  a  map  his  eye  was  placed. 
On  which  were  lakes  and  rivers  traced,   • 
With  Indian  trails  all  o'er  that  wound, 
And  Indian  castles  scattered  round. 
Bearing  the  well-known  names  that  showed 
There  made  the  Iroquois  abode. 


XXV. 

He  struck  the  floor  —  a  guardsman  came. 
••  Meux !  tell  the  Count  Lavergne  I  claim 


108  Frontenac. 

His  presence  here  in  two  hours'  space ! " 
And  down  once  more  he  bent  his  face. 


I  j 


XXVI. 

A  rnp !  —  the  door  at  his  command 

Opened  —  the  bending  guards  there  stood, 
The  Indian  girl  erect,  at  hand. 

"  Your  errand  speak  ! " 

"  Within  the  wood 
That  stretches  by  St.  Charles's  flow, 

Where  lie  had  gone  to  hunt  the  deer, 
Ko-lah  was  found  an  hour  ago 

Dead,  by  the  young  Carignan  Pierre. 
Scarce  had  Pierre  told  to  us  the  tale, 

Meeting  us  by  the  water-side, 
When  o'er  the  basin,  from  a  veil 

Of  shadow  a  canoe  we  spied. 
This  Indian  girl  alone  it  bore. 
And  near  our  post  it  found  the  shore ; 
She  You-non-de-yoh  sought,  she  said. 
And  here  direct  we  bent  our  tread  ! " 
Frontenac  waved  his  hand  —  "Depart!" 

Upon  the  girl  then  glanced  his  eye; 
Still  reared  erect,  her  Indian  heart 

Shown  in  her  presence  proud  and  high. 
Her  features  wore  a  lighter  hue 
Thau  that  her  forest  si.sters  knew, 
But  her  full  eye  was  dark  and  clear 
As  the  orbed  splendors  of  the  deer. 


The  Rescue  and  Death. 

From  her  dark  hair  a  feather  sprung, 
Behind,  the  usual  roller  hung ; 
While  fell  a  light  loose  dress  of  skin 
Down  to  her  broidered  moccasin. 


109 


XXVII. 

"  What  seek'st  thou  ?  "  — the  deep  voice  was  kind. 

And  slight  the  girl  her  head  inclined, 

Answering  in  tones  so  soft  and  low 

That  Frontenao  scarce  heard  their  flow. 

"  The  Robin's  voice  is  very  sweet. 

Like  the  bird's  flight  her  gliding  feet, 

Her  eye  is  like  the  star  which  ne'er 

Moves  from  its  lodge  within  the  air : 

But  now  that  voice  no  more  is  heard 

Where  late  each  heart  to  joy  it  stirred ; 

No  more  those  light  feet  make  the  ground 

Burst  into  laughing  floWers  around ; 

The  eye  no  more  is  sparkling  bright, 

'  Tis  filled  with  tears,  and  dark  with  night ; 

Will  not  great  Yon-non-de-yoh's  ear 

The  Robin's  sorrowing  sister  hear  'I 

So  great  a  warrior  will  not  keep 

The  bird  to  tremble  and  to  weep  ! 

lie  will  not  let  The  Robin's  trill 

Be  longer  moan  of  whippoorwill ! 

No !  he'll  restore  the  bird  its  tree, 

He'll  set  the  poor  lone  Robin  free  !  " 

"Never!"  fierce  shouted  Frouteuac, 

While  his  eye  flashed,  his  brow  grew  black. 


110  Frontenac. 

"  Girl !  daughter  of  a  bated  race  ! 
How  hast  thou  dared  to  seek  this  place ! 
How,  bold  one,  bow  I  art  not  afraid  ? 

Tbou  seek'st  thy  sister !  know'st  not  thou 
That  Pawn  of  Morning  loves  the  maid  ? 

The  dog !  who,  could  I  clutch  him  now. 
I'd  tread  beneath  my  feet,  and  make 
His  death-song  echo  at  the  stake  1 " 
A  wild  light  glanced  bis  features  o'er, 
And  sternly  stamped  he  on  the  floor. 
While  the  girl's  eye  with  sidewise  lift 
Glared  with  a  furious  fire,  and  swift 
Glided  her  band  within  her  dress. 
Downca.st  the  eye,  hand  motionles.s 
Again,  as  Frontenac  his  glance 
Turned  once  more  on  her  countenance : 
"  But  yet  I  will  not  harm  tliee,  girl  I" 
His  eye  grew  soft,  his  features  caught 
A  shade  of  pensive  struggling  thought : 
'•  There's  something  that  subdues  the  whirl 
Of  passion  in  me  as  I  gaze, 
Leading  me  back  to  former  days  I  " 
'•  Then  Yon-nou-de-yoh  will  set  I'ree 
The  Kobin  :"  flashed  the  wild  fire  back 
Into  the  face  of  Frontenac : 
"Not  till  thy  At-o-ta-ho's  knee 
Is  bent,  acknowledging  my  sway  I  " 

Again  the  maiden's  cowering  eye 
Shot  its  keen,  furtive,  siduwi.se  ray 

Like  some  fierce  serpent's  crawling  nigh  ; 


Tub  Rescue  and  Death.  Ill 

Again  within,  quick  glanced  her  hand, 
Then  all  once  more  was  still  and  bland : 
"  My  Canada  father  then  will  let 

The  Blue-bird  *  on  The  Robin  look ! " 
Frontenac's  eye  the  maiden's  met, 

The  wrath  his  face  once  more  forsook  j 
His  dirk  a  corselet  struck  —  with  speed 

Entered  a  guard  —  with  softened  tone : 
"  This  maiden  to  The  Ilobiu  lead, 

Let  them  remain  an  hour  alone !  " 

XXVIII. 

The  guardsman  through  the  gallery  led. 

Until  he  reached  and  oped  a  door, 

And  when  passed  in  the  maiden's  tread, 

He  locked  and  barred  it  as  before. 

The  Robin  on  a  couch  was  leaninsr, 

Her  long  black  hair  her  features  screening; 

A  single  lamp  with  feeble  light 

Yielding  the  bleak  bare  walls  to  sight  j 

But  as  the  maid  with  noiseless  tread 

Approached,  and  soft  "  Sweet  Robin ! "  said, 

Up  to  her  feet  she  instant  sprung 

With  a  wild  cry  upon  her  tongue ; 

Amazement,  deep  amazement  took 

Possession  of  her  staring  look ; 

Then  joy  in  brightest  flash  shot  o'er 

Her  face,  and  then  a  blush  it  bore, 

A  blush  so  deep,  brow,  neck,  and  breast 

The  rich  and  radiant  tint  confessed ; 

•Jo-gwe-TO. 

16 


112 


Frontexac. 


She  trembled,  shrank,  as  half  afraid, 
Wlieii  took  her  timid  hand  the  maid ; 
Her  bosom  heaved  with  quick  delight. 
Then  down  she  dropped  her  sparkling  sight, 
With  heart  and  soul  all  wrapped  to  hear 
The  low  tones  whispering  in  her  ear : 
"Listen  !  when  Ko-lah's  hatchet  fell!" 
The  Robin  here  suppressed  a  cry  — 
"  Thy  friend,  The  Blossom,  did  not  die 
At  once  —  she  lived  her  tale  to  tell. 
By  her  poor  sorrowing  mother  found, 
At  morn  stretched  bleeding  on  the  ground. 
The  Arrow*  on  a  deer's  trail  —  then 
Saw  thee  with  Yon-non-de-yoh's  uieu ; 
With  .speedy  foot  and  heart  with  flame, 
Hither  tlie  At-o-ta-ho  came 
Garbed  as  thou  see'st  hiui,  with  a  baud 
Of  his  best  braves  to  aid  his  hand. 
He  met  the  base  dog  Ko-Iah  —  low 
He  brought  him  with  one  hatchet-blow ; 
But  e'er  our  Kvil  Spirit's  f  ire 
Plunged  the  base  warrior's  heart  in  fire. 
The  At-o-ta-ho  made  him  tell 
Where  Wi<s  the  sorrowing  Kobin's  cell ; 
And,  now  the  At-o-ta-ho's  here, 
The  Ilobin  will  no  longer  fear ; 
Ere  Kah-quaJ  brings  another  day. 


•  Ka.haia-k&h  In  On-on-d«b-sali. 
t  Oi-noKa-atc-Kch  In  On-on-dah-gaU. 
J  The  Snn  in  OnKjndah-fah 


The  Rescue  and  Death.  113 

With  Dawn  of  Morning,  far  away 
Will  fly  The  llobin,  and  again 
Will  On-on-dah-gah  list  her  strain ! " 

XXIX. 

The  maiden  listi ned  —  every  word 
Delicious  joy  within  her  stirred ; 
That  he,  the  At-o-ta-ho,  ho 

The  worshipped  of  her  every  thought, 
Should  dare  so  much  to  set  her  free, 

Perilling  life;  —  her  heart  was  fraught 
With  deeper,  tenderer  love,  imbued 
With  warmer,  holier  gratitude. 
Ah,  did  he  also  love  !  her  eye 

Was  raised  a  moment  to  his  face, 
But  glowing  kindness,  with  a  sigh. 

She  there  could  only,  only  trace  ; 
The  same  that  ever  spread  his  brow. 
But  sweeter,  stronger,  livelier  now ! 
Away  with  him  —  she  did  not  ask 

The  means  —  she  knew,  fond  maid,  she  knew 

That  Dawn  of  Morning  told  her  true; 
He  would  perform  his  promised  task, 
And  nerved  to  strength  her  drooping  frame, 
To  act  when  time  for  action  came. 


XXX. 

The  warrior  oped  his  dress,  unwound 
A  deer-skin  line  of  braided  strength 
Knotted  to  scores  of  feet  in  length, 


114  Frontenac. 

Close  swathed  his  slender  form  around ; 
Then  f,'ra8pinj»  it  in  folds,  he  drew 

Ilis  knife,  approached  the  massive  door, 
And  stood ;  the  faint  lamp  fainter  jircw. 

At  last  its  flickering  light  gave  o'er; 
A  plaintive  wind  commenced  to  sweep, 
The  room  was  filled  with  darkness  deep, 
Save  where  the  loopholes,  pierced  on  high. 
Let  in  some  glimmerings  of  the  sky. 


XXXI. 

At  length  they  glared,  and  fell  the  bar. 

Quick  rattled  in  the  lock  the  key. 
Opened  the  door  with  sullen  jar, 

A  giisp  —  a  fall  —  and  instantly 
The  At-o-ta-ho,  with  a  stamp, 
Kxtinguished  the  slain  guardsman's  lamp ; 
Across  the  jutting  gallery  thence 
Drew  him  with  hurried  violence; 
And,  heaving  with  convulsive  strength, 
Lifted  him  o'er  the  rails  at  length, 
Into  the  cha.sm, —  one  murky  frown, — 
Then  pitched  the  hody  headlong  down, 
Lashed  to  the  rails  the  line,  and  then 
Rushed  to  The  Kobin's  side  again. 
Ho  took  the  maiden's  hand:  ■•  Fear  not!" 
He  .said,  then  bore  her  from  the  spot. 
"Now  cling  to  me!"     The  maiden  clung, 
And  soon  upon  the  line  they  swung; 


The  Rescue  and  Death. 


115 


The  trcnibling  girl  gnvo  oiio  swift  glance  — 
Round  wns  a  rniny  blnck  expanse ; 
Above,  dark  outlines  on  the  air 
Told  that  the  castle's  mass  wns  there ; 
Near  to  the  left,  with  shuddering  awe 
The  battery's  frowning  lino  she  saw, 
The  muzzles  filled  she  knew  with  death, 
And  scarce  she  drew  her  very  breath ; 
I5y  swept  the  wind  with  rushing  sound. 
Dashing  the  rain  upon  their  forms. 
In  one  of  May's  most  furious  storms ; 
Far  swung  they  out,  swift  whirled  they  round; 
She  closed  her  eyes  again,  her  cling 
Drawn  closer  with  each  whirl  and  swing; 
And  yet,  e'en  yet,  her  sore  affright 
Yielding  at  times  to  wild  delight, 
Though  blushing  shame,  that  she,  most  blest. 
Was  clinging,  clinging  to  his  breast. 
Down  still,  nought  hearing  but  the  wind; 
Still  down,  down  through  the  darkness  blind ; 
At  last  they  touched  the  lesser  steep, 
Where  scarcely  could  Jiskoko  keep 
Her  foothold,  though  her  stumbling  tread 
Was  by  the  At-o-ta-ho  led. 
And  slowly  worked  their  laboring  way 
Down  the  rough  sloping  rocks  that  lay 
Towards  the  dim  huts  in  straggling  rank, 
Between  them  and  the  river  bank. 
The  shrieking,  howling,  sweeping  blast, 
The  rain  in  dashes  on  it  cast. 
Keeping  beneath  each  reeking  roof 


11  r, 


Frontexac. 


All  from  tlic  miry  street  nhxif. 
Roiicliiiii;  the  iimrj.'f,  (In-  warrior  drew 
Out  (iftlic  tliic'ki'tH  a  caiim', 
And,  plaoiiig  (|uick  within  the  mnid, 
Till'  paddle  seized;  but  e'er  the  liludo 
The  water  struek,  he  j;laneed  around. 
His  ear  bent  dovrn — r.)  Mi>:ht,  no  Hound, 
But  the  slant  rain,  the  dwellin(:H  gmuped. 
And  blast  like  that  a  warrior  whooped. 
lie  stood  an  instant  —  muttered  low, 
"  Should  liawii  of  Mornin),'  strike  the  blow 
To  Yon-iion-de-}oh'.s  heart,  how  liinh 

Would  rise  the  Lenpuc's  triumphant  head  I 
How  Hah-weii-ne-yo  from  his  sky. 

Hi.s  glorious  smiles  would  on  us  shed! 
lie  pees!  but  yet" — he  looked  to  wliere 
The  maiilen  sat  — "  she  claims  my  care! 
ytill  (lid  not  Yon-ni     de-yoh  boast, 
That  underneath  li:    feet  he'd  tread 
Me,  Pawn  of  Morniiii.'  I  me,  a  brave  !  " 
His  knife  here  (.'littered  in  tlie  wave. 
'•  The  l)awu  of  Morning  <if  the  dread 
And  proud  Ho-do-no-sonne  host! 
He  goes!  Tlie  Uohin  will  not  wait, 

But  seek  the  other  side  — she'll  find 
There  well-known  braves,     Let  Te-yo-ayt  * 

Bring  the  canoe  again:  the  wind 
Has  ceased,  its  rush  of  I'ury  o'er!" 
He  said  and  bounded  from  the  shore. 


'  Light, 


The  Rescue  and  Deatu. 


117 


XXXII. 

On  mid  the  Bcattorod  roofs  ho  wont, 
Lights,  Hpnrkliii^r  in  tho  cnHoinonts,  lent 
Quick  gleaniings  to  tho  rainy  stroot, 
But  none  wcro  thoro  to  stay  his  feet. 
Winj^ed  with  fiorco  epood  ho  nhot  along. 

While  a  low  cabin  horo  and  there 
Gave  forth  Bonio  Hwinginj;  huntor-song, 

With  shout  and  laughter  on  tho  air. 


xxxiri. 

lie  clauiberod  up  tho  busdiy  stoop, 
With  tug  and  Hcramblc,  pull  and  leap. 
Until  ho  roachod  tho  cliff  ho  found 

Tho  lino  still  swinging  in  tho  blast; 
Around  a  rock  its  end  ho  wound, 

Knotting  tho  yielding  to.xturo  fast. 
And  then  with  Indian  skill  and  strength, 
Conimoncod  to  climb  its  slender  length. 
IIo  saw  a  black  stripe  drawn  on  air : 
Tho  battery's  dreaded  guns  wore  there. 
Which  into  doath-wingod  lightning  broke, 
And  with  stern  voice  of  thunder  spoke; 
Tho  wind  but  uttered  feeble  howl, 
But  St  ill  the  heavens  showed  sable  scowl, 
And  tho  rain  beat ;  up,  up  he  went 
His  steady  eye  above  him  bent, 
Foothold  receiving  from  the  knots 
Set  on  tho  line  in  bulging  spots. 
Tho  castle  blaekonod  now  the  air. 


118 


Frontenac. 


Itiii  iiMf  Itriglit  K]Hit  wiiH  glittvriiiK  thcru; 
It  hIiiiiii'  ill  tliiit  Hiiiiii'  rniiiii  whorr  lie 
StiMiil  It)'  his  liatt'J  clu'iiiy, 
And  licard  tlumu  thrciitM  timt  iiiuiIm  IiIn  ire 
liliizo  iiilii  florci'  tliou^'li  Miiiutlicrod  Arc. 
Still  u]i  hi'  wi'iit ;  tilt)  pilU'ry  now 
Broke  forth,  then  lovol  with  his  brow; 
Ovrr  thi'  rails  lir  IcajH'd  —  liix  tread 
Skiiiiined  the  liroad  simee  lieneatli  liini  xprend  ; 
Hu  glanced  within  the  ciuteniuut,  there 
Frontenac  with  his  face  of  care 
Over  the  niup  hiill  liowed  his  frame; 
lie  Mtruek  the  door,  the  hiddin^  eaiiie; 
"  Ajrain,  sweet  niaitll"  said  Fronteiiael 
Kisiii);  with  face  of  kindling'  k'i'w;  — 
The  Indian  erouehed  his  figure  low 
Like  the  roused  panther  drawing  hack 
For  his  dread  leaj)  upon  his  prey  I  — 
'■  Did  not  great  Vun-non-de-ycdi  say 
That  he  would  underneath  his  feet 

The  At-o-ta-ho  tread  y     Iloohl  look! 
I  am  the  At-o-ta-ho !  "     Fleet 

As  a  deer's  hound  his  lea]i  he  look 
Full  at  the  startled  nohle's  hreast ;  — 
But  ere  the  destiued  blow  could  full 
A  fi>rni,  unseen  before,  with  cull 
For  hell),  the  ehieftain  backward  pre.st, 
And  drew  a  sword,  while  too  the  hand 
<)!'  Frontenac  found  ready  brand. 
The  Indian  gave  one  cry  of  wrath 
When  thrust  thus  backward  in  hi.s  path ; 


» 


The  Hiwcuk  and  Dkatii. 


119 


1 


'I'liuii,  with  u  fucc  all  ilumu  that  ^ruw, 

Luiipuil  likti  It  wild  cat  on  thu  two, 

Willi  gniiNliiiin  tcctli  iiiiJ  f:liiriii^'  oyo, 

And  kiiil'u  niiJ  Imtpliot  lloiirislicil  lii^h; 

Fnmtt'iiHo'H  tliruHt  ho  jmrriud,  wtiiycd 

Tho  iithi'r'rt  (|uick  dtMcuiidiii^  blndo. 

With  I'urioUM  vicili'iiro  tor  life, 

lleru  —  theru  —  iill  nmiul  —  now  rnnod  the  Htrifo; 

Till!  liidiuii'H  t'linn  Huuiiicd  jiluiiivd  with  wiugH, 

So  Hwil't  IiIh  ruxhings,  hi^h  IiIh  Hiiriii^H; 

In  HiimIh'm  of  i(uii'k  lij:hl,  hi-*  hhiWH 

liu  niiuod  u|i<in  his  prosHing  tuux, 

Till,  in  his  blind  luiNtu,  Friintunno 

Stuniblud  and  headliin^;  (laNt  him  lull. 

The  miVH^o  j;avo  onu  HnuithcrcJ  yoll, 
And,  ns  thd  Klhor  iTcissod  bin  frnck, 
Sunk  his  kci'n   batclu't  in  his  bead, 
And  toward  the  Von-oii-di'-yoh  sped; 
Hut  wide  an  inner  door  now  swunjj. 
And  in  the  room  two  ^'mirdsinen  sprung. 
The  At-o-tu-hu  wheeled  and  Hew 
Like  light  the  outer  portal  through ; 
Swil't  to  the  gallery's  end  be  went. 
And  down  the  line  commenced  descent, 
llis  knil'o  between  his  teeth,  and  slung 

lli.>  tomahawk  upon  bis  urui; 
But  as  iii  middle  air  he  swung. 

The  castle  bell  rang  out  alarm. 
Stern  clanged  the  tones  along  the  air  ; 

Down  past  him  dropped  a  torch's  light 
Tossed  I'rom  the  gallery ;  quick  a  glare. 

17 


-!/. 


120  Frontknac. 

Burst  from  the  battery  nn  his  sight, 
Smiting  iiitu  a  splendor  iceun 
All  the  storu  features  of  the  scene: 
Instant  a  ball  above  him  screeched — 

Echoed  a  deep  aud  stunning  roar; 

Still  down,  still  down  he  gliding  boro, 

Hut  now  the  line  was  severed  o'er, 
And  with  slight  shock,  the  slope  he  reached. 

XXXIV. 

Out  still  the  bell's  stern  clangor  rung, 
As  down  the  slope  himself  he  flung ; 
Before,  amid  the  scattered  way 
Of  roofs  through  which  his  pathway  lay, 
lie  heard  loud  calls,  and  saw  the  glow 
01'  torches  passing  to  and  fro. 
lie  paused  —  long,  deep,  full  breaths  he  drew, 
His  knife  and  hatchet  grasped  anew; 
Then,  like  an  eagle  in  its  wrath, 
He  dashed  along  bis  forward  path. 
Hurrying  and  bustling  forms  were  there, 
Scores  of  red  torches  fired  the  air, 
Gleaming  on  halberd,  gun  and  knife, 
Hiistily  snatched  for  unknown  strife; 
The  courier  wild,  the  keen-eyed  scout. 
Hunter,  bateaunian,  trader,  all 
The  dwellers  of  the  suburb,  call 
On  one  another,  peer  about. 
Wondering  what  enemy  so  bold 
The  cajitle's  tongue  of  iron  told 
Within  their  strong  aud  guarded  hold. 


I 


TuE  Rescue  and  Death. 


XXXV. 


121 


Near  and  more  near,  with  flyin}^  frame, 
The  fierce  and  desperate  Indian  came ; 
Near  and  more  near,  eacli  sinew  striint;, 
Each  thouj^ht  on  fire,  still,  still  he  sprung, 
And  now  within  the  space  he  rushed 
Where  bright  the  flaring  torches  blushed  ; 
Shouts  rang  out  boldly  on  the  night, 
And  gathered  all  to  bar  his  flig  it. 
Swinging  his  weapon  riglit  and  left, 

On,  on,  the  At-o-ta-ho  dashed. 
Amid  the  crowd  his  path  he  cleft, 

Forms  dropped,  cries  pealed,  and  weapons  clashed. 
On,  on,  the  At-o-ta-ho  still, 

Kight,  left,  his  weapons  swinging  yet. 

And,  cr    a  blow  his  form  had  met. 
Ilia  pathway  through  the  throng  was  won. 
On,  on,  the  At-o-ta-ho  .still, 

There  was  his  bark,  a  figure  light, 
With  vigorous  and  determined  will. 

Eagerly  gazing,  grasping  tight 
The  loop  of  a  descending  root, 
Steady  for  the  approaching  foot. 
He  enters  with  a  ringing  cry, 
Meets  with  a  smile  The  Uobin's  eye. 
Then  grasps  the  paddle  —  from  his  bow 

Swifter  liis  arrow  never  flew, 
Than  o'er  the  Cat-a-ra-qui's  flow 

Shot  Dawn  of  Morning's  winged  canoe. 


122 


Frontknac. 


But  quick  a  rifle  rang  —  with  cry 
Jiskoko  dropped  —  a  ga«p,  a  sigh. 
Poor  loving  maid !  poor  loving  maid ! 
His  mandate  she  had  not  obeyed, 
But  with  an  anxious  heart  had  staid 
The  watch  herself  for  him  to  keep, 
Poor  loving  maid  !  to  look  and  weep, 
Alive  to  every  sound  and  sight, 
Hearing  the  tumult  with  affright ; 
And  Dawn  of  Morning,  as  the  bark 
Turned  round  Cape  Diamond's  profile  dark, 
Projecting  boldly  from  the  beaeh, 
Where  not  a  shot  the  place  could  reach. 
Beheld,  as  down  he  bent  his  head. 
By  the  faint  radiance  of  the  stars 
From  the  rent  storm's  swift  floating  bars. 
But  the  locked  features  of  the  dead. 


END   OP   CANTO    FOURTH. 


CANTO  FIFTH. 


THE  INN  OP  THE 
CANOE. 

WE-ANDAH. 


THE  SUMMONS. 
THE  ENCAMPMENT. 
THE  ilAKCU. 


CANTO  FIFTH. 


THE  INN  OF  THE  CANOE. 


T  the  rude  suburb's  wcstorn  end 

A  little  inn  of  logs  was  set, 
Where  oft,  a  social  hour  to  spend, 

Bateaumen,  hunters,  couriers  met. 
Above  the  porch,  in  rough  daubed  hue. 
Outside  was  painted  a  canoe; 
Within,  a  table  stretched  mid  floor, 

With  benches  ranged  at  either  side ; 
While  shelves,  in  one  paled  corner,  bore 

Flagons  in  glittering  tints  that  vied. 
The  carcass  of  a  slaughtered  deer 

At  one  side,  carelessly  was  flung ; 
A  bow,  a  pouch,  a  fishing-spear 

And  Indian  paddle,  round  were  hung 
As  afternoon  its  shadows  wrought, 
The  customed  throng  the  tavern  sought ; 
The  courier  rude,  his  coarse  blue  check 
Spread  from  his  bare  and  sunburnt  neck; 
The  hunter  in  his  green-fringed  skirt. 
To  match  the  forest  leaves  in  hue ; 


126  FnoxTENAc, 

And  the  bateaunmn  in  liis  cjiirt 

Of  red.  and  tassclod  cap  of  blue. 
(ilasHcs  wore  in  cacli  hand,  while  rung 
In  loud  confusion  every  iongue. 


II. 

''  IIo,  Boouff!"  a  courier  said,  "how  now? 
Wliy  dost  thou  i*how  so  grave  ii  brow '! 
A  moon  ago  I  saw  thee  track 

The  Huron  islands  —  thy  canoe 

Heaped  up  with  blankets,  and  thy  crew 
So  jovial!     Did  the  lluroiisback 
Without  a  barter  turu  thee?" 

'•  No ! 

But  when  their  usual  haunt  I  gained, 
The  Hell-rook,  empty  huts  to  show 

Where  they  had  been  almii'  remained. 
At  last,  a.s  close  we  searche(l  abnut, 

We  found  an  aged  sire;  he  said. 
While  shook  his  aged  frame  with  dread, 
That  the  tierce  Irofjuois  were  out 
Upon  the  war-path,  and  were  near, 
And  off  his  tribe  liad  fled  in  i'ear. 
Ue  told  us  then  to  strike  the  rock, 

And,  short  time  after,  to  its  sound, 
Sending  o'er  isle  and  wave  its  swell, 
Wc  saw  the  frightened  warriors  flock 

Frot.i  all  the  neighboring  coverts  round. 
Their  safety-sign  that  rocky  bell. 
To  quiet  then  their  fears  we  tried. 


TuE  Inn  of  the  Canoe. 


127 


But  from  their  hearts  had  vaninhed  pride : 

Ai.d  finding  talk  of  barter  vain, 

Wc  with  our  load  turned  back  again  !  " 

"  And  others,"  a  batcauuian  said, 

''  Can  of  the  Iroquois  own  dread ! 

Lat  •■ :  i  the  setting  of  the  sun, 

Within  the  Thousand  Islands  lake. 
Our  crew  had  landed  upou  one, 

Our  fires  to  light  and  suppers  take; 
IJut  e'er  we  struck  a  flint  in  brush, 
1  chanced  to  look  between  a  bush, 
And  there  1  saw  a  great  canoe 
Filled  with  the  fiends  swift  paddling  through. 
With  Dawn  of  Morning  casting  look, 
The  curst  _  oung  At-o-ta-ho  round  ; 
Close  our  bateau  was  in  a  nook, 

JJut  never  gave  we  sight  or  sound. 
And  the  whole  band  passed  through  the  same, 
In  wisdom  as  the  demons  came!" 
"  How  strange  that  l$eIl-rock.     I  have  heard" — 
Thus  thrust  another  in  his  word: 
"  The  Ilurons  say,  a  towering  form 

Is  seen  beside  it,  stand  to  take, 
Foretelling,  though  the  winds  are  warm, 
And  skies  arc  blue,  that  some  fierce  storm 

Upon  the  scone  is  soon  to  break  ; 
And  then  he  wakes  a  sound  so  clear 
And  loud,  it  pierces  every  ear ; 

Warning  his  children  on  the  wave 
To  hasten  homeward,  ere  the  blast 
18 


*»':*' 


128 


Frontexac. 


Upon  their  liugeriiij^  barks  in  cast, 

Too  (juick  aud  fierce  for  skill  to  save. 
KsclaitueJ  a  hunter,     "  As  I  went 
Basquct  I  along  St.  Charles's  side 
This  morn,  I  saw  thy  rifle  bent 
To  shoulder." 

"  A  huge  panther  died 
Beneath  my  aim,  whose  whine  all  uight 
Plunged  me,  the  beast!  iu  sleepless  plight. 
Fiends  arc  these  Indians  to  'he  core  1 " 
8poke  the  bateauman  giving  o'er 
A  draught,  and  deeply  breathing — '  Hush  I 
Wo-au-dah  there  is  lying!" — 

"Tuflh 
For  him,  the  drunken  wrcich  !  so  low 
lie  '»  fall'n.  he's  man  no  longer  !  ho  ! 
Here's  drink  for  thee,  We-an-dah  !  sleep 
No  more  !  "     With  swiftest,  eagerest  leap, 
An  Indian  left  a  nook,  aud  flew 
To  where  the  gla.ss  was  held  to  view. 
Quickly  the  rosy  stream  he  ((uafTed, 
Then  with  delirious  pleasure  lauglied. 
''  Good,  good,  fire-water's  good  ! " — his  clutch 
Another  cup  held  towards  him  gained, 
And  then  a  third  one  wild  he  drained  — 
'■  We-an-dah  loves  the  Pale-face  much  I " 
Then  staggering  back,  his  knife  he  drew, 
And  in  a  dance  his  limbs  he  threw, 
While  the  rough  concourse  round  him  stood 
Aud  mocked  him  iu  their  reckless  mood; 


The  Inn  op  the  Canoe. 

"  See  !  li!i !  ha  !  sec  him  as  he  hounds  ! 
And  hark !  hia  war-whoop  now  he  sounds  I 
Hal  ha  !  ha  !  mark  him  reel !  look,  Fleer  ! 
Look,  Vaux !  a  great  brave  have  wc  here  ! 
A  valiant  warrior  I  hear  him  shout, 
'  More,  more  fire-water  I '     Give  it  out, 
Good  landlord!  fill  it  to  the  brim. 

It  vanishes  at  hia  lips  as  fast 

As  rain-drops  on  the  water  cast. 
Ah  !  that  has  proved  too  much  for  him  !  " 
And  headlong  on  the  floor  he  fell 
Stretched  out.,  relaxed,  insensible  ; 
And  as  beneath  their  feet  he  lay, 
They  spurned  him  to  a  nook  away. 
Ah,  forest  chieftain  !  noble  brave  ! 

Wert  thou,  indeed,  so  mean  a  thing  ! 
Better  have  filled  a  warrior's  grave. 

Thou  eagle  with  a  broken  wing  1 


120 


in. 

Now,  round  the  table,  each  one  held 
A  goblet,  while  a  courier  swelled 
His  rough,  free  song,  all  joining  in 
The  chorus  with  tumultuous  din. 


"  Over  the  waters  now  we  dash, 

Ever  sing  merrily,  boys,  aing  merrily  ! 
Ripples  around  our  paddles  flash. 


180  FnONTENAC. 

Onward  Hn  mcrrilj',  thus  go  wo  ! 
Hound  let  I  lie  bowl  (ly, 

QuufT,  hoys,  ((uaff ! 
I  la!  ha!  ha!  ha! 
Laugh,  boys,  laugh  !  " 

A  hunter  then  took  up  the  strain, 
And  pvaled  it  till  all  rang  again. 


"  Through  the  thick  forcHtH  now  we  tread, 

Kvcr  sing  niorrily,  boys,  sing  merrily! 
Cra<'k  goes  the  rifle  !  the  game  falls  dead, 
Otiwanl  then  merrily,  thus  go  wo  ! 
]iound  let  the  hnwl  fly. 

Quaff,  boys,  i|uaff! 
Ha!  ha!  ha!  ha! 
Ijaugh,  boys,  laugh  !  " 

Then  a  batoauman  p.issed  the  song. 
Rolling  a  volume  lull  along. 

"  T'p,  up  the  waters  jvole  we  now, 

Ever  sing  merrily,  boys,  .sing  merrily  ! 
Tramp,  tramp,  tramp  on  each  side  of  our  prow, 
Onward  so  merrily,  thus  go  we  ! 
Hound  let  the  bowl  fly, 

(juaflf,  boys,  quaff! 
Ila!  ha!  ha!  ha! 
Laugh,  boy.s,  laugh  !  " 


We-an-dah. 

And  tlmn  nil  joined  thoir  toiioft  so  deep, 
The  very  glasses  seemed  to  leap. 


181 


"Thus  with  our  paddle,  our  riflo  and  pole, 

Ever  sing  merrily,  boys,  sinj;  merrily 
Wo  go  ihrougli  lil'e,  with  the  grave  for  our  goal, 
Onward  so  merrily,  thus  go  we  I 
Hound  lot  the  bowl  fly, 

Quaff,  boys,  (juaffl 
11a!  Im!  ha!  ha! 
Laugh,  boys,  laugh  !" 


WK-AN-DAU 


IV. 

Frontonac,  in  his  usual  room. 

Sat  with  a  brow  of  deepened  gloom : 

June's  sunshine  lay  upon  the  floor, 

Through  tho  oped  casement  came  the  breeze, 
And  the  broad  transverse  gallery  o'er 

lie  saw  tho  distant  tops  of  trees. 
A  dark  ancestral  portrait  glowed 

As,  searching  out  each  hidden  dye, 
The  sunlight  o'er  tho  surface  flowed. 

And  woke  to  life  brow,  check,  and  eye. 


I 


182  Flti'NTEN'AC. 

Hcoiilo  n  fnhlo  wIuto  lu"  unt, 
A  wciH'-limind  orimclifil  upon  a  innt, 
Whili!  parcliiucntH,  iiiiniH,  nud  toIuiuch  lay 
Around  in  ncgliircat  array. 


At  k'linth  ho  rose,  the  tlircHhoIJ  pawed, 
And  iin  the  pillory  stund,  whuru  vant 
The  pniKpcct  iipt  nod  to  IiIh  viow, 
Steeped  in  the  sunHliinc'H  ){oldcn  huu. 
Below  liini  wa.i  the  plianni  of  air 

Wliorotho  cliff  foil;  tlionee  Hlopod  the  steep, 
Rocky  and  frroupcd  with  thickcttt,  where 

FJrowsod  tlio  (|uipk  piatH  with  many  a  leap. 
The  lowor  oity'n  oliinineyH  roHe 

Along  the  inarj.'o  in  lonj;  array, 
While  in  its  calm  and  smooth  repose, 

Like  air  the  broad  curved  river  lay. 
A  brigantino  was  creej)ing  round, 
With  it.><  one  sail,  Cape  Itiamoud's  bound  ; 
]Jy  Orleans'  Island  a  bateau 
Was,  like  a  lazy  spider,  slow 
Trawling  —  the  Jxiatmen,  spots  of  red, 
Pushing  their  polos  of  glimmering  thread, 
While  field,  roof,  forest  filled  his  gaze,        , 
Till  vanishing  iu  the  soft  gray  haze. 


We-an-dau, 


188 


VI 


Uut  Dou^'ht  wat*  there  tu  cliarm  his  oyu, 
IUh  mind  luut  (lurkufad  tu  tho  nky ; 
A  bruoJin^  hIiuJo  wuh  u'ur  titu  gcutio, 
^u  gluriuuH  in  its  Hunuiiur  iiiieu. 
Again  \m  glouuiy  mom  hu  sought. 
His  bruw  o'erspread  with  dn.'arior  thought:  — 
"  Poor,  poor  Lavorgiiu  I  puur  youth  !  that  he 
Should  diu,  bravo  boy !  dufuuding  mo ! 
And  by  tiiat  bloody  demon  too  I 
That  Dawn  of  Morning  I  " —  Deeper  hue 
Fell  on  luH  visage  like  a  pall. 
"  The  Hire,  and  now  tho  son,  to  fall 
Beneath  the  tomahawk  I  "  —  Again 
That  ilark  deed  of  the  distant  past 
Was  on  his  shuddoring  memory  cast ! 
LavLi'gne's  dead  form  —  his  harrowing  pain  — 
His  loneliness — tho  evening  gloom 
Darkening  within  this  self-same  room  — 
Tho  lost  Lucille  —  that  radiant  child! 

And  nhe^  ilu>  young,  the  perished  mother, 
T<'  >  eii  with  »uch  depth  of  passion  wild, 
Slain,  slain,  and,  heaven  I  by  hcrown  brother. 
Awl  he  an  Iroquois!    That  trick 
W  Dawn  of  Morning's  too !     Thus  mocked ! 
Cheated !    The  Robin's  cell  uulockod 
Before  his  very  eyes,  and  he 
Attacked  by  his  fierce  enemy 
In  his  own  room. —  '•  Without  there,  ho!" 


134  FUONTENAC. 

A  guard  obeyed.     "The  Otter,  quick  !  " — 
The  usual  strides  went  to  and  i'ro 
Until  the  Huron  ruuner  eanie. 
"  IJrave  Otter  I  " — with  an  eye  of  flame  — 
"  Thy  loot  be  now  the  eagle's  wing ! 
Take  the  war-wanipum  !  my  command 
Bear,  that  the  hatuhet  through  the  land 
IJnburieJ  be  against  my  foe, 
The  Iro(|U(iis  1    This  arm  shall  bring 
At  last  those  haughty  nations  low  !  " 
The  Otter  vanished,  and  onee  more 
Ilis  tread  he  to  the  gallery  bore. 

VII. 

At  length  in  .Mountain  street  he  spied 

Wc-an-dnh,  with  his  sauntering  stride. 

Across  him  seemed  to  flash  a  thought  ; 
His  room  regained  he.     "  Ho.  Allaire!" 
Again  the  guardsman  entered  there. 

"  Haste!  let  We-an-dah  here  be  brought!" 


vin. 

The  Indian  eame  —  liis  flushed  swoU'n  face 
Of  deep  (lebaueh  showed  wildest  trace. 
His  scalp-lock  down  neglected  hung; 
Hound  him  a  blanket  soiled  was  flung  ; 
Ilii)  onee  riiih  leggings  now  were  torn; 
His  moccasins  to  tatters  worn  ; 
Ah,  forest  ehiet^ain!  noble  l)rave  ! 
Wert  thou,  indeed,  so  mean  a  thing! 


m^"- 


We-an-daii.  135 

Bettor  have  filled  a  warrior's  grave, 
Thou  caglo  witli  a  broken  wing ! 


IX. 

'  Twns  but  one  fleeting  week  ago 
That,  capturing  him  in  chase,  Lavcrgnc 
To  Frontcuao  the  chief  had  brought. 
Soaring  in  soul,  unbowed  in  thought. 
Beared  before  You-non-dc-yoh  stcru 
And  fierce,  a  foe,  a  fearless  foe ! 
Taunting  him  as  a  brave  should  taunt, 
A  brave  whom  danger  ne'er  could  dauut. 
Yea  I  hurling  scorn,  as  if  ho  stood 
Within  his  native  forest  free, 
Frontcnac  captive  at  his  side. 
Showing,  through  all,  such  glorious  pride. 
That  Dawn  of  Morning's  self,  had  he 
Stood  in  his  place,  had  not  defied 
With  sterner,  higher,  haughtier  mood 
Or  loftier  wrath,  his  eueniy. 


That  very  night,  as  with  his  wound 
Lavergne's  sword  gave  him  in  the  fray. 
Painting  within  his  cell  he  lay. 
The  guardsman,  as  the  hurt  ho  bound, 
OiFcred,  alas  1  tho  fatal  draught. 
Which  for  the  first  time  now  lie  (juaflfcd. 
As  the  fell  fire  within  him  ran, 
10 


186 


Fron'tenac. 


He  sank  at  once  to  less  than  man ; 
He  chatt<;rcd  in  delirious  glee 
Amid  his  feverish  agony; 
And,  as  the  first  delieions  glow 
lie  felt,  first  poison  of  the  foe  I 
He  thought  the  white  man,  that  could  make 
Such  draught  as  this,  his  thirst  to  slake. 
Had  greater  power  and  skill  to  lift 
The  soul  on  soaring  wing,  than  even 
Great  nah-wcn-ne-yo,  who  had  given 
Only  his  tame  and  tasteless  gift. 
Hour  after  hour  ho  drank  the  flame ; 
More  strong  the  horrid  thirst  became ; 
More  eager  did  he  grasp  the  bowl ; 
Deeper  and  deeper  sank  his  soul ; 
While  Frontenac,  with  scornful  smile. 
Marking  by  what  a  weapon  he 
Could  strike  down  his  red  enemy, 
One  of  the  hated  race,  iu  guile 
Hour  after  hour  the  stream  supplied, 
Then  for  a  time  withheld  the  tide, 
Until  the  brave  !  the  warrior  proud  I 
The  strong-winged  eagle  of  the  cloud  I 
An  Ou-on-dah-gah  I  —  he  that  late 
Dared  Yon-non-de-yoh  in  his  state. 
And  would  have  strode  to  fiery  death 
With  the  stern  war-song  on  his  breath. 
He,  he;  oh,  shame  I  oh,  shame!  subdued  I 
Slave-like  !  scourged  hound-like  I  lowly  sued 
At  the  contemptuous  guardsman's  foot, 
That  Yon-non-dc-yoh  still  should  give 


"We-an-daii. 

The  stream  by  which  he  ceased  to  live, 
Save  as  an  abject,  groveling  brute. 
Till  Frontenac,  in  deep  disdain, 
Yielded  the  devilish  draught  again. 
And,  in  pure  scorn  then  made  him  free 
To  roam  Quebec  at  liberty, 
The  mark — the  sneer  —  the  jest  of  all  — 
How  could  an  Iroquois  so  fall ! 
Ah,  forest  chieftain  !  noble  brave ! 

Wert  thou,  indeed  so  mean  a  thing ! 
Better  have  filled  a  warrior's  grave, 

Thou  eagle  with  a  broken  wing  1 

XI. 

But  now  before  stern  Frontenac, 
The  chief  seemed  struggling  sore  to  call 

Some  of  his  ancient  spirit  back ; 
He  strove  to  lift  his  figure  tall 

To  its  full  height,  and  make  his  mien 

Show  the  pround  warrior  he  had  been ; 

But  ah,  in  vain,  in  vain,  his  eye, 
From  Frontenac 's  now  lenient  gaze. 
When  he  would  sock  its  glance  to  raise, 

Cowering  and  dim,  away  would  fly. 

And  there  he  stood,  an  humbled  slave, 

Not  a  Ho-de-no-sonne  brave. 


137 


XII. 

'  We-an-dah  I "     Up  the  chieftain  rolled 
His  eye  at  the  commanding  tone. 


188  Fkon'    vac, 

"  A  sweeping  cloud  of  inidiiight  fold 
Within  ihy  people's  sky  has  grown 
And  Yoii-non-de-yoh's ;  in  the  trail 
Between  us,  sharp  thick  b.:ors  nrevail, 
And  soon  will  Yon-non-de-yoh's  tread 
Bo  on  the  war-path  stern  and  dread ; 
Bui  thou  I  thou  art  my  brother,  bravo ! 
We've  buried  in  one  comiuon  grave 
The  hatchet,  trodden  it  down  deep, 
And  still  between  us  will  we  keep 
The  chain  of  friendship  I  thou  wilt  go, 
My  friend  and  guide  against  mj  foe ! " 

XIII. 

"  Ilooh  I  "  and  the  warrior  reared  his  frame 
Proudly,  while  flashed  his  eye  with  flame, 
••  Ilooh  !  "  aad  he  flung  his  arm  on  high, 
As  if  to  soar  up  to  the  sky, 
'•^    "S  Yon-noii-de-yoh  " — and  his  look 
Was  lo.._'  and  sublime,  as  down 

On  Frontenac  it  wildly  flashed, 
Then  changed  it  to  a  mighty  frown, 
Mis  lip  with  rage  impetuous  shook. 

And  '"1  the  floor  his  foot  ho  dashed  — 
•^  Think  tL    H'c-an-dah  is  a  dog  !  " 
He  clutched  'is  knife  with  fury,  "  Rather  "- 
Crated  his  teerli  —'-my  Canada  father 
'•  Back  to  his  ct'l  the  bravo  shall  flog. 
Than  he  will  lift  the  hatchet  red 
Against  his  tribe  or  League  1 "     And  dread 


We-an-dah. 

Rang  his  shrill  whoop,  so  loudly  pealed, 
It  seemed  all  objects  round  him  reeled. 


139 


XIV. 

Frontenac  started  as  at  first 
This  fierce  defiance  on  hiiu  burst, 
Then,  smiling  in  derision  grim. 

Signed  to  Allaire  close  by,  who  took 

A  cup  and  flagon  from  a  nook, 
A  :  1  filled  the  goblet  to  the  brim ; 
Thf!  Indian  threw  one  eager  glance 

On  it,  in  proud  restraint  then  turned, 
And  with  majestic  aspect  stood  j 
Then  viewing  it  again  askunco, 

lie  clutched  it,  whilst  his  features  burned, 
And  drank  it  as  a  wolf  drinks  blood. 
Another  draught  then  down  he  flung. 

And  then  another,  still  another. 
Then  reeling  up,  with  stammering  tongue, 

Said,  "Yes!  Wo-an-dah  is  the  brother 
Of  Yon-non-de-yoh  !  wliitonien  all 
Ilis  brothers  arc  '  tho  brave  feels  tall ! 
His  heart  feels  big !  fire-water's  good ! 
It  fills  his  veins  with  leaping  blood  ! 
lie  goos  whore  Yon-non-de-yoh  goes ! 
His  foes  shall  be  We-an-dah's  foes ! 
IVhoop !  whoop !  fire-water's  good !  more,  more  ! " 
Aud  down  he  pitched  upon  tho  floor. 
Ah,  forest  chieftain  !  no'ule  brave ! 

Wert  thouj  indeed,  so  mean  a  thing ! 


140 


Frontenac. 

Better  Iiavc  filled  a  warrior's  grave, 
Thou  eagle  with  a  broken  wing! 


THE  SUMMONS. 


XV. 


IIo  I  ho  I  to  the  war-patli  I  with  high  lifted  head. 

The  Huron  unhuriou  the  tomahawk  rod ; 

The  bowed  Adirondiiek  looked  up  with  the  knife 

Clutched  keen  in  his  hand  for  the  ])itiles.s  strife; 

The  Ot-ta-wi'.'s  wild  W"v-paint  glowed  fresh  on  lii.s  cheek 

As  ho  caiue  the  fierce  hatred  of  ages  to  wreak; 

The  rough  hardy  boatmen  left  river  and  lake ; 

The  tra]>piT  the  beaver;  the  woodman  tlie  brake; 

The  noble  cla.-ipod  corselet  ol'. steel  on  his  broii.st, 

For  the  glory  that  gave  to  existence  its  zest; 

The  artizan  elo.sed  his  dim  workshop,  and  took 

His  anjuebuse  rusting  for  years  in  its  nook; 

The  soldier,  who  followed  on  Hungary's  plain 

(^arignan's  spnad  flag,  grasjied  his  musket  again  ; 

The  husbandman,  singing  gay  Normandy's  songs 

In  Canada's  grain-fields,  rose  too  with  the  throngs; 

The  axe  in  the  stumps  of  the  cleirirj.  was  flung; 

No  longer  the  hunter's  sharp  rifie-erack  rung; 

The  village  was  empty  ;  deserted  the  glade ; 

All  came  where  the  banner  of  France  was  displayed  ; 

Ho,  hii,  to  the  war]iathl  stern  I'rontenac's  tread 

Will  dash  to  the  earth  the  leagued  enemy's  head. 


The  Encampment, 


141 


THE  ENCAMPiMENT. 

XVI. 

The  summer  aun  wns  sinking  bright 

Behind  the  wo^  "  i  of  Isle  I'errot ; 
Back  Lake  ft.  Louis  gleamed  the  light 

In  rich  and  mingled  glow ; 
The  slanting  radiance  at  Lachine 
Shone  on  an  animated  scene. 
Beside  the  beach  upon  the  swell 

Scores  of  canoes  ware  lightly  dancing, 
With  many  a  long  bateau,  where  fell 

The  SUP,  on  polo  and  drag-rope  glancing. 
Throngs  were  upon  the  gravellv  beach 
Bustling  with  haste,  and  loud  in  speech ; 
Sonie  were  placi.'ig  in  rocky  bateaux 

Cannon  and  mortars  and  piles  of  grenades; 
Some  were  refitting  their  arrows  >\nd  bows, 

Others  were  scanning  their  muskets  and  blades; 
Some  were  kindling  their  bivouac  fire, 
Otlicrs  were  blending 

Their  voices  in  song ; 
While  othi'rs,  contending 
With  utterance  strong, 
Scarce  kept  from  blows  in  their  rccklcs.s  iro. 


XVII. 


Scabbard  touched  hatchet,  and  scalp-lock  plume ; 
Wheeling  platoons  here  and  there  forced  room ; 


Ui 


Frontenac. 


The  luJinu  with  girdlo  and  kuif'o  was  here ; 
Tlioro  was  the  buff-coated  musketeer ; 
Tlie  ]>ikcmau's  steel  breastplate  here  flashed  in  the  sun, 
By  the  swarthy  Cauadiaa's  lude  halberd  and  gun ; 
The  noble's  gay  niaullc  and  sabre  passed  there, 
By  the  hunter's  rough  deerskin  and  long  shaggy  hair; 
Couriers  dc  bois  and  batcauiuen,  made  gay 
By  their  sashes  and  caps,  swell'd  the  mingled  array ; 
While  guttural  accents  and  laughter  loud, 
Blent  with  the  tones  of  stern  command ; 
Loudly  arose  upon  every  hand 
From  the  (juick,  busy,  and  eager  crowd. 

XVIII. 
O'er  a  fur  trader's  cabin,  spread  broadly  on  high, 
France's  white  standard  saluted  the  eye; 
Below  were  the  griffins  of  Frontenae  gleaming 
In  gold,  on  the  breast  of  a  pennou  outstre:iming. 
Before  the  threshold  the  sentries  went. 

Two  of  the  guardsmen  grim  and  tall ; 
There  were  the  steps  of  the  leaders  bent. 

In  and  out  of  the  audicuco-hall. 

XIX. 

The  sunset  tints  from  the  lake  withdrew. 
And  now  on  the  broad  expanse  were  seen 

Here,  rough  Ot-ta-wa's  tawny  hue. 
There  ('at-a-ra-tjui's  sjilendid  green. 

Onward  flowing,  disdaining  to  mingle, 

Either  color  distinct  and  single; 


The  Encampment. 

And  not  till  league  on  league  wore  passed, 
Did  the  liuett,  so  separate,  blend  at  laat. 


148 


XX. 

As  tlio  twilight  darkened  round, 
Flame  on  flame  existence  found ; 
Stir  and  bustle  ceased,  and  all 
Welcomed  night's  slow  gathering  pall. 


XXI. 

Circling  a  fire  up  merrily  streaming, 

A  group  of  pikomen  and  musketeers 
Sat  with  their  corselets  and  weapons  gleaming 

lied  in  the  light. 

"  'Tis  a  sight  that  cheers 
My  bosom,  to  see  this  warlike  host 
Cooped  so  long  in  one  dreary  post !  " 
Said  old  Allaire. 

'Yes!  well  sayest  thou," 
An.swered  La  Croi.t.     "  I've  vowed  a  vow 
To  holy  St.  Ursula,  that  this  pike 
Shall  ton  of  tlie  whooping  demons  strike  ! " 
"  Ten,  fcayest  thou !  should  there  be  but  one. 
And  he  Dawn  of  Morning,  thy  prowess  were  done  !  " 
"  What  know'st  thou  of  my  prowess ! " 

"  Naught. 

But  if  thou  the  Iroquois  often  hadst  met, 
Les.H  wouldst  thou  boast!     ])o  Nonvillo  sought 

Our  Seneca  foemeu  !    I  cannot  forget 
The  combat  we  waged  in  the  tli!ol--«ts  and  trees, 
20 


144 


Frontenac. 


Witli  our  oroi'iiiiift  niid  Ncriieiit-liko  oiii'iiiioH. 

Thoii  Imlk'tfi  piitturod  like  Imil  iibuut; 

Ami  tlioii  tlioir  liiJunus  Imttlo  »hout. 

It  oleavo.M  the  br.iiii  like  u  fiery  diirt : 

In  iimiiy  a  buttle  I've  borne  a  jiart, 

I  followed  Tiireuiie  and  ^'reat  C'ondi\  but  no'er 

Strove  I  before  with  enijity  oir, 

And  death  uU  about  uie  ! " 

•  Allaire  was  in  fear, 
Methiuks!"  Kii<l  the  pikeiuaii,  amund  with  a  uneer. 
"  lu  fear  !  base  bound  ! ' 

'•Nay,  nay!  "  outbroke 
The  others,  "  La  Croix  was  but  in  joke  I 
Men  nhould  not  aet  like  tlmughlless  boys; 
Sing  us,  Allaire,  tlie  soldier's  joys  ! " 


Allaire  had  started  to  his  feet, 

''lenebinf;  his  liand,  while  the  other  stood 
Smiling',  yet  holdinj,'  his  arm,  as  though 
To  interceiif  a  threatened  blow; 

IJiit  nuiekiy  calmed  the  old  guardsman's  blood, 
And  again  on  the  gra.ss  he  took  his  seat ; 
And  clearing  his  voice  with  an  effort,  sang 
In  tones  that  aloud  o'er  the  bivouac  rang. 

1. 


•■  Uanners  all  around  ns  flying  I 
Trumpets  all  around  us  ringing  I 


The  Encampment. 

Wonpntia  frlenmitif;!  clmrgcrs  sprinjrinR ! 
Cmiiriidosl  whn'w  afraid  of  dying! 
Forward  inarch  1  quick  on  wo  go, 
(iladly,  tVcdy,  lircaHt  to  I'ooj 
Forward,  forward,  on  wo  go, 
Such  thn  joys  wo  soldiers  know, 
Honor  bright  to  fleeting  breath, 
Give  us  victory  or  death; 
With  our  bosoms  to  the  foe. 
Such  tho  joys  wo  soldiers  know  ! 


14S 


"  When  is  past  tho  conflict  gory, 

And  our  veins  have  ceased  their  leaping. 
Then  the  watch-fire  redly  heaping. 

Round  fly  merry  song  and  story  j 

Frowning  care  behind  we  throw 

As  our  gleaming  glasses  glow  ; 

Backward  march  we  bid  it  go ! 

Such  the  joys  we  soldiers  know! 

Ever  ready  for  the  field. 

Ever  ready  life  to  yield; 

Onward,  onward,  breast  to  foo. 

Such  the  joys  wo  soldiers  know! " 

XXIII. 

In  the  room  of  a  lonely  roof  that  stood 
Beside  the  rapid  and  sounding  flood. 
Around  a  board  with  glasses  -et, 
A  joyous  company  were  met ; 
Tho  noble  leaders  of  the  array 


140 


Froxtenac. 


Spco(lin>f  •  fiw  liri):lit  linurn  nwny. 

Ilorti  Hill     >if  Orn."  niiil  Viuulrciiil  ,  thoro 

('nllitTi'M  nod  Kckancourt  mocking;  at  care. 

H|i!irkliii^'  ii'st  mid  wi(ty  nloiiiii 

Hlint  (I'lT  itn'  wiiioouji's  ruddy  Mlroitiii; 

And  xtory,  dubato,  and  leguiid  old, 

With  fr('((\iont  Hiuifr  tiiiio  onwiird  rollod. 

Iliirk  I  11  V(iii'(?  Hounds  merrily  ; 

'Tis  Huknucourt  Hinging  in  light-liunrtcd  gloo. 


"  Tiovcly  Fnincp  I  my  nntivi'  I'rnnoe ! 

At  tliy  nnnio  my  boHoin  bouiidH! 
To  my  eye  nweet  viHionn  daiiee! 

In  III}'  ear  "nO  music  sounds  ! 
Hail  I  tliy  jjurple  vineyards  flowing' I 
Hail  I  tliy  bri^'hf-eyed  dauf:bters  glowing  I 

Of  my  life  tliou  seem'st  a  part, 
!iO\ely  France!     All,  la  belle  Franco, 

(ilorious  France,  iiow  dear  lliou  art! 

8. 

■'  Lovely  France  I  my  native  Franco! 

Famous  are  lliy  battlefields  : 
And  where  points  thy  (.'litterin;:  lance, 

\ictory  there  her  trophy  yields. 
Hail !  thy  high  historic  story  I 
Hail  I  thy  legends  rife  with  glory  ! 

Shrine,  where  bends  my  willing  heart  1 
Lovely  France!  ah.  la  belie  France  ! 

(jilorious  France  !  how  dear  thou  art !  " 


The  Encampment. 


147 


XXIV. 

An  HirikN  tho  voii'u  upon  tliu  iiiiiiliiudiii^'  ihrnofr, 
Tho  yuuiig  L)u  (iriiM  takus  up  tlu^  tlirvuil  tit'xoug 

1. 
"  Whot  tlinuylit  iiiukcH  my  licart  with  niriKt tendcrnoHH BWcU  ? 
'Tin  tho  thought  of  thy  bcnuty,  uiy  Kwcct  Oitbriullul 
To  tho  HoCt  winil  <if  Huiinnor  swiiij^H  liglitly  tho  troo, 
But  thu  glidu  of  thy  Hlop  [a  far  lighter  to  mo. 

9. 
"Oh!  tho  breeze  when  it  mcetxthco  takes  swooter  its  flight  I 
And  tho  HUH  ylows  mure  warmly  wlicii  risiii.'  thy  sight! 
Tho  nightinj;alo  ohants  hor  melodious  glee. 
liut  the  sound  uf  thy  vuico  ia  far  swootcr  lu  mc. 

& 

''  Thou  hast  circled  thy  chain  —  thou  bust  woven  thy  spell 
For  aye  round  this  bosom,  my  own  (Inbriellc  I 
The  star  of  the  evening  is  brilliant  to  m'o, 
But  tho  glance  of  thy  eyo  is  fur  brighter  to  mo. 


•'  In  life,  my  loved  angel,  when  struggling  in  death, 
Thy  dear  name  will  dwell  on  my  last  cbbinir  breath. 
Heaven's  bliss  would  be  clouded  and  dark  without  thoo, 
Tho  step,  voice  ond  oyc,  that  make  heaven  to  me." 


»,■/' "V  -iT-^i ;'  y-.tw-^  r;^?""-; 


148  FllONTEXAC. 


THE  JIAIU'II. 

XXV. 

Pay  after  day,  on  t'at-a-ra-cjui's  breast, 

The  eiiibattli'd  host  their  iipw!<rd  pathway  pressed. 

All  the  noblest  of  the  laud 

Minf,'led  in  that  warlike  band; 

Gallant  men.  whose  blood  had  poured 

AVhere'er  Fraaee  had  drawn  the  sword. 

XXVI. 

In  the  bright  niidi't  was  gray-haired  Frontenac, 

His  liery  soul  in  arms  for  the  attaek. 

Long  had  he  burned  his  vengeful  hate  to  shower 

On  the  wild  foes  so  scornful  of  his  power; 

To  erusli  and  whelm  them  in  one  doom  of  dread, 

Of  blood  and  flame,  and  now  the  hour  had  sped. 

XXVII. 

On  the  flotilla  pas.sed  —  sword,  ]iike,  ami  gun 
Traced  on  the  wave,  and  glittering  in  the  sun. 

xx^ 'M. 
Now  by  green  islands,  where  the  feeding  deer 

Looked,  iiud  wiis  gone  ere  ar(|uebuse  could  bear; 
Now  by  still  coves,  ujion  whose  mirrors  dear 

The  glossy  duck  seemed  gliding  through  the  air; 
Now  o'er  1  line  hike,  whose  broad  expanded  breast, 

As  came  the  breeze,  to  white-eapped  waves  was  driven, 


I 


The  March.  149 

And  on  whose  distant  flood  appeared  to  rest 
The  hazy  sof'tnuHs  of  the  summer  heaven ; 
Athwart  the  mouth  of  houio  fierce  river,  now 
Hurling  its  foaming,  tumbling  tribute  in, 
And  marking  with  its  stain  its  eon((ucror's  brow, 
Hohcld  for  hours  before  the  spot  they  win. 
Merrily  now  some  basin  o'er, 

liornc  with  paddle  and  oar  quick  dashing  : 
Turning  now  to  the  tangled  shore. 

Where  the  cataract  down  ■  une  crashing; 
And  while  a  part,  with  weary  struggling  care. 
Across  the  portage  wild  the  burthens  bear, 
The  rest,  waist-deep,  in  whirling  foam,  drag  slow. 
Thus  lightened  of  their  loads,  canoe  and  huge  bateau. 


XXIX. 

Now  by  smooth  banks  where,  stretched  beneath  the  shade. 

The  Indian  hunter  gazed  with  curious  eye  ; 
Now  catching  glimpses  of  some  gra~sy  glade, 

llieh  with  the  sunshine  of  tlie  open  sky  ; 
Now  by  the  vista  of  sduic  creek,  where  stond 

The  moose  mid-leg,  and  tossing  high  his  crown 
Hazy  with  gnats,  and  vaTiishing  iu  the  wood. 

Waking  to  showers  of  wiiite  the  shallows  brown. 
Thus  on  they  passed  by  day  —  at  night  thoy  made 
Their  bivouac-fires  amid  the  forest  shade. 
Scaring  the  wolf  and  panther,  till  the  reign 
Of  morning  bade  them  launch  upon  the  flood  again. 


CANTO  SIXTH. 


THE  WAR-HATCHET. 
THE  WILDERNESS. 
TH^  CATARACT. 
THE  SENECA8. 
LEAPING  PANTHER. 
CAYUGA  LAKE. 
THE  CAYUGAS. 


THE  ONEIDAS. 

THE  STRAWBERRY 
DANCE. 

THE  CANOE  VOYAGE. 

THE  MOHAWK'S  SCALP 
DANCE. 


21 


CANTO  STXTII. 


THE  WAR-IIATCHET. 

I. 

POX  a  gorgeous  woodland  scone, 

Whoso  limits  mocked  the  eagle's  sight, 
A  hillowy  ica  of  differing  grccu, 

The  sun  iioked  downward  from  its  height. 
Along  an  Indian  trail,  that  traced 

Its  s>oam  amid  those  forests  vast, 
A  narrow  furrow,  through  the  waste. 

Swiftly  the  .\t-o-ta-ho  passed. 
The  war-paint's  black  and  crimson  streaks 
Gleamed  fiercely  on  his  brow  and  cheeks; 
Upon  his  customed  robe  were  spread 
Ilis  battle  (^;Lds  in  tints  of  red; 
Hatchet,  fusee,  and  knife  he  wore, 
Ilis  shaven  head  the  war-tuft  bore ; 
AVhilo  a  roused  spirit,  fierce  yet  high, 
Sat,  like  couched  flame,  within  his  eye. 


II. 


With  a  red  girdle  round  his  frame, 
Bi'hiud  the  tall  pipe-bearer  came. 


r 


154  Fhoxtexac. 

NoJiUd  a  criuiSMii"(]  caglo  plumo 
Ovor  ^^.  brow  of  I'l-iuicuiietl  gloom; 
No  weapon  bore  i'-.',  m\o  on  bigh 
A  batcbet  of  vermilion  dye. 


Til!':  WJJ.!JKiLNJ:SS. 


Innuiii.i.iMe  yUiM  fiir 

Exttn^lcd,  i)iv"i:i'l  trtiuks    v  wocn, 
Kye-tan):!ii\,:  iind  ineguiar 

'i  U  c'liis'.'d  py  biiio'k  nr  ruviiie. 
Trots,  trees,  c.  vcrdHiit  world,  were  round, 

i^tr:iif;lit.  crncikcd,  sliuif,  I'acb  seekiiipj  lijrbt; 

Witb  sonii-  -i'l  Bjiliiitcred.  biirc  and  white, 
TfUinj^  the  ligb'-iing's  blastin;;  bound. 
And  now  !uidth<.>  was  scon  a  path 

or  prostrate  tr'iiiks  in  cba  is  cast, 

"With  upturned  rootfi,  dark  c-irclos  vast, 
iS:;,'t;s  of  the  fierce  tornado's  wra'h. 


IV. 
Pines  iijot  the  eye  all  tiissclcd  o'er; 
Hcnilo-ks  that  fringy  cones  upbore; 
O.iks  with  their  scallo;  ed  verdure;  beechoa 
\Vbo.-:c  nios.i  the  northward  pathway  teaches; 
Poplars,  light-bueil  and  sensitive. 


The  Wilderness.  155 

To  every  air-breath  all  alive; 

-Maples,  their  red-steiiinied  fblia;,'e  flickering 

To  downiest  winds  like  streamlets  bickering; 

Striped  dog-woods,  birches  sweet,  that  stood 

The  incense  bearers  of  the  wood; 

(irini  lurching  firs  and  laurels  green, 

Showing  the  swamp's  wet,  clustered  scene. 


V. 
Through  this  gigantic  roof,  the  light 
Here,  made  some  natural  opening  bright; 
Here,  down  a  narrow  vista  swept; 
Here  underneath  dense  thickets  crept; 
Here,  broken,  struggling  being  found. 
Sprinkled  like  fire-flics  on  the  ground. 
But  scarce  these  colms  few  the  sway 
Broke  off  the  general  hue  of  gray. 
That  filled,  subdued  and  soft,  the  air, 
Making  a  solemn  twilight  there. 


VI. 

This  glorious  sylvan  scone  showed  rife 

Each  stage  of  vegetable  life. 

The  downy  sprout,  the  ground-bird  trod 

Elastic  to  tlic  downy  sod ; 

The  sapling  with  faint  verdnre  crowned, 

Low  bending  to  the  squirrel's  bound; 

The  tree,  that  towering  strong  and  high 

Spread  its  green  standard  to  the  sky; 


156  Fbontenac. 

Tlu'ii  the  iK'iid  top  with  licliciiH  dressed  ] 
Then  the  dark  hoHow  in  tlic  breiist ; 
At  Inst  the  lead  prune  lop,  wit'i  moss 
l-'lun;?  like  a  shroud,  its  form  across. 


vir. 

As  liy  the  Indians  passed,  its  lay 
The  robin  ceased  and  shot  away; 
Off,  like  a  flash  the  red-bird  flew; 
Its  gambol  scared,  the  rabbit  threw  ; 
The  craoklin};  of  the  under-brush 
Told  of  the  deer's  retreatin};  rush; 
With  heavy  wing,  and  croaking  hoarse, 
Tiie  mountain  raven  urged  its  course; 
Whih'  now  and  then  the  ■  agle  gray 
IVinted  his  beak  and  soa-ed  away. 


., 


VIII 

O'er  some  green  glade  now  went  their  tread. 
Spotted  with  strawberries  pouting  red; 
Now  by  a  t'ountain  clear  as  dew 
Trickling  its  mo.ssy  channel  through; 
Now  in  a  broad  and  sweeping  aislo; 
Now  in  a  deep  and  dark  defile  ; 
And  now  across  the  jagged  bridge 
Of  some  tree  fall'n  from  ridge  to  ridge, 
Forming  between  the  hollow  black, 
Where  crept  the  .sedgy  streamlet's  track. 


4 


The  Cataract. 


187 


THE  CATARACT. 

IX. 

A  steady  sound,  whoso  rumblo  deep 

Had  lon^  been  niinglinj;  with  tlio  air, 
More  loud  and  stern  coiuuicnced  to  sweep, 

Till  on  the  ear  it  seeiued  to  bear 
A  mighty  load  ;  the  woods  it  filled 

With  its  grand  volume  of  stern  sound; 
Nature's  most  secret  heart  seemed  thrilled. 

And  every  other  tone  was  drowned. 
To  the  light  wind  the  branches  shook, 
Down  sparkled  on  its  way  the  brook. 
Flew  in  and  out  each  merry  bird, 
But  not  a  sigh,  diish,  chirp,  was  heard. 


Over  the  trees  a  form  of  snuw 
Was  towering,  by  the  sunny  glow 
Kissed  into  flashing  diamonds  ;  bright 
That  silvery  shape  of  glancing  light. 
Seeming  as  changing,  quivering,  there, 
Some  hovering  spirit  of  the  air. 

XI. 

Well,  well  the  At-o-ta-ho  knew 
That  shape,  thus  glittering  to  his  view; 
Oft  had  he  stood  and  on  it  gazed, 
As  in  its  noontide  pomp  it  blazed ; 


158  Froxtenac. 

And  when  the  moonliirht  <i'or  it  threw 
It«  delicatt)  robe  of  silvery  !uie; 
In  0(intrnnt  sweet  and  I  rif,'ht,  to  where 
Tlie  enishin^'    lliushiiij.',  |ilnMj,'ini.'  t'orni 
Of  floods  ruiih'd  down  in  fvari'ul  »torm. 
One  niij,'hty  ourve  njxin  the  air. 
The  first  seemed  teliini;  him  to  rise, 
Until  hi8  fame  sJiouUl  reach  the  f>kies; 
The  liixt  in  tl  'imler  seemed  to  say, 
Kneel,  At-o-t  •  'lol  kneel  and  pray  I 
Forget  thy  dei  i«,  and  with  low  brow, 
Think  of  the  iluh-wcu-nc-yu  now ! 

XII. 
'Twas  ()-ni-ah-f:a-r.ili  there  that  liurled 

Its  awful  grandeur  d'wn  its  rock  ; 
Dim  sign  ol'that  tlread  shape  a  world 

Reeling,  shall  see,  wlien  with  fieree  shock 
He  plants  His  tread  on  sea  and  shore, 
And  swears  that  Time  shall  be  no  mure. 
Farther  my  harji  is  mate  to  toll 
Of  the  l»ublime  —  the  Terrible. 


tup:  skxkcas. 


XIII. 

The  westering  sun  shot  slantiu"  Ix-aui 
Along  a  narrow  winding  streani, 
Bathing  tlie  ba.sswoods  of  the  bank. 
Bending  in  interlacing  fold, 


Leaping  PANTirER.  159 

Wlinso  rich  mid  [luiuliMit  I'lusters  drank 

Tlio  lij,'ht,  till  scemud  they  wrought  of  gold. 


XIV. 

An  Indian  ciif4le  cluHtorod  by, 
Girdled  with  palisudocs  hi>;h. 
Within  n  gras.sy  Hpnce  thut  lay 
Next  to  the  l'orc«t,  an  array 
Of  warriors  in  a  circle  sat, 
Each  ci     chcd  upon  his  hear-skin  mat. 
Solomuly  passed  the  wreathing  pipe 
Adorned  with  many  a  blazoned  typo; 
While  each  fixed  oyo  and  rigid  face 
Of  ilecp  abstracted  thought  boro  trace. 


LEAPING  PANTHER. 

XV. 

At  length  a  warrior  rose,  hi;*  breast 
Bearing  a  snake,  tattooed,  its  crest 
And  forked  tongue  ready —  with  a  brow 
Where  care  had  driven  its  furrowing  plough, 
And  with  a  keen  heart-searching  eyo 
That  flew  around,  each  point  to  spy, 
As  if  some  danger  near  to  find 
Lurking  beside  liim  or  behind. 


160 


Fruntenac. 


XVI. 


'Twn»  I-P!ipinj.'  l'iiMh<r.  cliicrtaiii  faiiuill 
Wlio  mid  the  l.i'ii^'ue'.-  nturii  wiirrinrs,  cluimuJ 
To  Dawn  ni'  Muriiing  next,  thu  iiiufil 
Of  lidiiiir  and  nulliority 
Hy  tilt'  111    I'u  nali'init  jioldod  I'rcc 
To  wi.'-diiiu  iiu'l  to  valoroii^  deed. 

XVII. 

Yet  thou^'h  in  I'uniii'il  rl(Mmi'nt 

And  wi8u,  and  nn  tlio  wnr-|iat)i  bruvu, 
To  venomed  cnvy'n  thruldont  bent 

Park  Lcajiinf.'  I'aiitlicr,  verii'st  Hlavo ; 
And  liatri'd  (iiTi'o  witli  I'uvy  ciinio. 
Kindlin)^  Ium  bronKt  with  biendid  flaniu. 
'Twao  l>awn  of  Mortiintr'i*  faiiu"  that  fraught 
Willi  vi'iioni  foul  bin  I'viTy  tliuiij;lit; 
II i8  power  and  !*way  within  hiit  heart 

Kaiikled  in  Hleoplosi*,  ccaw-loss  ire, 
Hut  yei.  HO  niutchli'SM  wa.s  bin  art, 

He  veiled  from  :ill  the  fiendish  fire. 
Oft  in  the  Union  I'oa.-'t  would  i<neer 
Or  gesture  of  dihd.iin  ajijiear 
When  Pttwu  of  Morning  met  hi.s  cyo; 
ISut  with  Huch  (|uiekM(>s  |iaj*sed  they  by 
That  scareely  eould  the  .light  desery. 
Ho  Recmcd  a  shadowy  Hcorn  to  throw 

I'jion  the  At-o-laho's  state 
Uy  ((uick  griuiaee  —  eye'.'s  sidewise  glow, 


lL.. 


LeaI'INO    rANTIIKR. 


161 


Or  tiiiic'H  »li(^lii  HiirfiiHiii  —  yet  liii*  huto 

WiiH  Mu'iT  di(*j)liij'L'il  ill  iijit'ii  word  ; 

And  111!  thvHu  ni^'iiN  ho  Hli|.'litly  HtirruJ 

Tlu!  inind,  iiiiiif  lii'i'dcd  iit  tlui  timo; 

And  Htill,  HI)  liirkiii;.'  wax  the  Hliiiiu, 

That  int'iMury  by  unwitting  hjiuH 

(  )m  lliiiKf  straiifii)  f!iru(.'s  and  HHiileH  would  dwell, 

liut  then  Hoinu  avtiun  hi^liand  proud 
Of  the  younj;  At-o-ta-ho  liir 
Swept  every  doulit  as  I'roni  a  wtar 

The  Htronj;  blast  HWecpH  the  trauHJcnt  cloud. 

XVIII. 
For  a  brief  iii.>itaiit  sik'Tifly 
Like  a  tall  form  of  bronze  stood  ho, 
Then  rearing  more  erect  his  head 
And  Ntrctebing  out  bis  arm,  he  8aid :  — 


XIX. 

"  Saebonis  and  warriors  I  each  bin  eye 
CaHt  round;  the  huh  about  to  die 
Once  more,  sends  out  bis  loveliest  blazo 
Ijigbtinj;  our  lod<:eH,  frraves,  and  maize. 
Where  these  stand  now,  ye  oft  have  heard, 
Brothers !  this  heart  holds  every  word. 
In  timo  of  snows  our  old  men  tell. 
How  by  our  sires  the  Kah-kwahs  fell; 
Their  sons  will  ne'er  then  slumber  long 

Pe-o-BC-o-wah's  huts  within ; 
Rouse  warriors  ;  to  the  war-path  throng  1 


l!) 


,f 


1C2  Frontenao. 

Here,  glory  braves  can  never  win  ! 

Our  tomahawks  arc  tliirsty  !  see 

How  brij;lit  thoy  are  I  we'll  let  them  drink 

Deep  of  the  blood  of  llliiii ! 

Will  any  of  my  young  men  shrink  '1 

No  I  Nun-do-wah-fiahs  never  fuil 

When  points  Agreskoui?  *  the  trail. 

Never  the  war-path  did  they  shun ! 

Sachems  and  warriors !  I  have  done  !  " 


XX. 

A  loud  "  yo-hah  I"  burst  out,  but  e'er 
Another  eould  his  mind  declare, 
A  form  strode  in  with  lufty  tread, 
A  erimson  hatehet.  in  his  eling, 
Glaneed  fur  a  luomeiit  roiuul  the  rinsr. 
Then  waved  the  weapon  o'er  his  head. 

XXI. 

"The  At-i.-ta-lio:  "  pealed  on  high; 
Kaeh  brave  leaped  upward  with  the  ery; 
•'The  At-o-ta-ho  !  "  every  head 

Wa.«  bent ;  again  arose  the  shout 
•'The  At-o-ta-ho  I  "  ijuiek  it  sjiread 

Till  every  ijuarter  pealed  it  out ; 
■•Tlic  Al-o-f;i-ho  I  "  matrons,  niaidi 

Cliildriii,  old  men,  youths,  warriors,  all 


•  The  wargod  of  the  IrcHiaolt. 


Leaping  Panther.  168 

Came  rushing  from  the  palisades, 

Housed  by  that  hived  and  well  known  call. 
While  the  lean  dogs  that  glaiieed  about 
Joined  their  loud  barkings  to  the  shout. 

xxir. 

(irini  Leaping  Panther's  eye  fla.shod  fire, 
As  Pawn  of  Morning  first  strode  in 
And  burst  on  high  the  joyful  din, 

Then  lost  his  brow  all  trace  of  ire, 

And,  bowing,  he  stood  waiting  till 

He  heard  the  At-o-ta-ho's  will. 

xxiir. 

Slow  Dawn  of  .Morning  swayed  around 
The  hatchet,  hushing  every  .sound, 
While  every  eve  to  his  was  turned  j 

And,  by  the  crimson  hatchet  woke 
To  flame  anticipating,  burned 

Flashing  more  fierce  as  now  he  spoke  : 
"  UravesI  Yoa-ni)n-de-y<ih  comes  to  slay 

And  burn  1  booh  !  Nuu-do-wah-gah  braves ! 
To  Ou-ou-dah-gah  I  up  I  away ! 

Fly  warriors!  lor  your  lathers'  graves! 
Let  every  young  man  seek  the  trail !  " 
Out  burst  the  warwhoop's  ((uaveriug  wail. 
Forth  knives  and  hatchets  flushed,  once  more 
The  whoop,  keen  eclioi::g,  trembled  o'er, 
Lodges  and  palisadoes  rung. 
Each  tree  seemed  gifted  with  a  tongue. 


164  Frontenac. 

Each  face  grew  wild,  the  very  air 
GloauR'd  with  tlie  weapous  wielded  there, 
Till  twilight,  soft  and  gentle,  drew 
Aeross  the  sceue  its  shimmeriug  hue. 


CAVUGA  LAKE. 

XXIV. 

Another  lovely  sunset  beamed 

rpon  ()wo-u-gwe's  glassy  breast, 
Whii'li  in  responsive  lustre  gleamed 

As  if  there  glowed  a  second  west. 
The  forests  on  the  Eastern  shore 
Half  robes  of  gulden  radiance  bore; 
Harsh  siglits  and  sounds  with  melting  day 

Had  from  the  lovely  scene  been  driven. 
Nature  seemed  kneeling  down  to  pray 

In  praise  and  gratitud'  io  Heaven. 


x.w. 

Sweet  sylvan  lake!  in  memory's  gold 
Is  set  the  time,  when  first  my  eye 
From  thy  green  shore  beheld  thee  hold 

Thy  mirror  to  the  sunset  sky  I 
No  rij"  'e  brushed  its  delicate  air. 
Rich  .silken  tints  alone  were  there; 
The  fiir  (i]iposing  shore  iiisplayeil, 
Mingling  its  hues,  a  tender  shade; 


J 


Cayuga  Lake. 

A  sail  scarce  seeming  to  the  siglit 
To  move,  spread  there  its  pinion  white, 
Like  some  pure  spirit  stealing  on 
Down  from  its  realm,  by  beauty  won. 
Oh,  who  could  view  the  scene  nor  feel 
Its  gentle  peace  within  him  steal. 
Nor  in  his  inmost  bosom  bless 
Its  pure  and  radiant  loveliness  1 
My  heart  bent  down  its  willing  knee 
Uefore  the  glorious  Deity; 
Beauty  led  up  my  heart  to  Ilim, 
Beauty,  though  (•i>Ul,  and  poor,  and  dim 
liefore  His  radiance,  beauty  still 
That  made  my  bosom  deeply  thrill ; 
To  higher  life  my  being  wrought, 
And  purified  uiy  every  thought, 
Ci  -pt  like  soft  music  through  my  mind, 
Kach  feeling  of  my  soul  refined, 
And  lifted  me  that  lovely  even 
One  precious  moment  up  to  heaven. 


165 


XXVI. 

Tiiun,  contrast  wild,  I  saw  the  cloud 
Tiie  next  day  rear  its  sabL  crest, 

And  heard  with  awe  the  thunder  loud 
Come  crashing  o'er  thy  bhickening  breast. 

Down  swooped  the  eagle  of  the  blast, 
One  mass  of  foatn  was  to  .siiijr  hi";h. 

While  the  red  Iiglitiiiiig..i,  tierce  and  fast, 
tjhut  from  the  wild  and  scowling  sky. 


'^^■■fW'TiW^ 


t      ,M. 


166  Frontenac. 

Ami  burst  in  dark  anJ  iiii,i:lity  train 
A  tunililing  cataract,  the  rain. 
1  saw  within  the  drivinj^  mist 

Yf'nn  writhing  Htooping  sliapos  —  the  trees 
That  the  last  eve  so  softly  kisseil. 

And  birds  so  filled  with  melodies. 
Still  .><wept  the  wind  with  keener  shriek, 

The  tossing  waters  higher  rolled, 
Still  fiercer  fla.shed  the  lightning's  streak. 

Still  gloomier  fruwneJ  the  tempest's  i'old. 

XXVII. 

Ah  such,  ah  such  is  Life,  T  sighed, 
That  lovely  yester-evo  and  this! 
Now  it  reflects  the  rail'int  pride 

Of  youth  and  hope  and  proniised  bliss;  — 
Karth's  future  track  and  Kden  seems, 
Brighter  than  even  our  brightest  dreams. 
Again,  tlic  tempest  rushes  o'cv. 
The  sky's  blue  smile  is  seen  no  more. 
The  placid  deep  to  foam  is  tossed, 
Aii  trace  of  beauty,  peace,  is  IdsI, 
Despair  is  Iiovering,  daik  and  wild, 
Ah  I  what  can  save  earth's  stricken  child  I 


XXVIII. 

Sweet  sylvan  lake  I  beside  theo  now, 
A'illagcs  point  their  spires  to  heaven. 

Rich  meadows  wave,  broad  grain-fields  bow. 
The  axe  resounds,  the  plough  is  driven  ; 


Cayuga  Lake. 

Down  verdant  points  come  herds  to  driuk, 
Flocks  strew,  like  spots  of  snow,  thy  brink; 
The  frequent  farm-house  meets  the  sight, 
Mid  failing  harvests  scythes  are  bright, 
The  watch-dog's  bark  comes  faint  from  far, 
Shakes  on  the  ear  the  saw-mill's  jar. 
The  steamer  like  a  darting  bird 

Parts  the  rich  emerald  of  thy  wave, 
And  the  gay  song  and  laugh  r.re  heard, 

But  all  is  o'er  the  Indian's  grave. 
Pause,  white  man!  check  thy  onward  stride  I 
Cease  o'er  the  flood  thy  prow  to  guide  ! 
Until  is  given  one  sigh  sincere 
For  those  who  once  wore  nionarchs  here. 
And  prayer  is  made  beseeching  God 
To  spare  us  his  avenging  rod 
For  all  the  wrongs  upon  the  head 
Of  the  poor  helpless  savage  shed  ; 
Who,  strong  when  we  were  weak,  did  not 
Trample  us  down  upon  the  ppnt. 
But  weak  when  we  were  strong,  were  cast 
Like  leaves  upon  the  rushing  blast. 


167 


XX  iX. 

Sweet  sylvan  lake  I  one  single  gem 
Shines  in  thy  liquid  diadem. 
No  sister  claims  this  little  isle 
To  yield  its  beauty  smile  for  smile ; 
With  it  to  hear  the  blue-bird  sing; 
•■  W.ike  leaves  and  flowers!  here  comes  the  Spring!  " 
2:5 


r 


168  Frontenac. 

With  it  to  weave  for  Suinuier's  tread 
Mosses  below  and  bowers  o'erhead; 
With  it  to  flash  to  gorgeous  skies 
The  opal  pomp  of  Autumn  dies ; 
And  when  stern  Winter's  tempests  blow 
To  shrink  beneath  his  robes  of  snow. 


XXX. 

Back  to  the  eveniDg  of  my  .strain  ! 
Back  to  the  sunset  hour  again  ! 


THE  OAYlGAb. 

XXXI. 

Amid  the  lake's  rich  jeweled  hues 

Moves  a  flotilla  of  canoes 

Toward  the  green  shore;  the  sinking  light 

Taints  Ko-lun-ne-kah's  lodges  low ; 
Makes  clastered  apple-orehards  bright, 

And  maize-fields  bathes  with  rosy  glow. 


XXXII. 

From  the  pure  gra.«.H-grecn  depths  all  day 
The  young  men  had  been  drawing  prey ; 


The  Cayuqas.  169 

The  greedy  pike  in  mottled  vest, 
The  perch  in  golden  armor  drost, 
The  trout  in  bronze  and  crimson  dight, 
The  bass  in  streaks  of  blue  and  white, 
And  now,  as  homeward  course  thoy  take, 
They  raise  their  anthem  to  the  lake. 


Gwe-u-gwe  the  lovely  !  Gwe-u-gwe  the  bright ! 
Our  bosoms  rejoice  in  thy  beautiful  sight ; 
Thou  bcar'st  our  kah-we-yahs,  we  bathe  in  thy  flow, 
And  when  we  are  hungered  thy  bounties  we  know. 


8. 

In  peace  now  is  spread  the  pure  plain  of  thy  waves. 
Like  theniaiiloiis  that  cast  theirkiiid  looks  on  their  braves; 
Uut  when  the  black  tenipL'>t  conies  o'er  with  its  sweep, 
Like  the  braves  on  their  war-path  fierce  rages  thy  deep. 


Thou  art  lovely,  when  morning  breaks  forth  from  the  sky. 
Thou  art  lovely,  when  noon  hurls  his  darts  from  on  high. 
Thou  a»*  lovely,  when  sunset  paints  brightly  thy  brow. 
And  in  moonlight  and  starlight  still  lovely  art  thou. 


Gwe-u-gwe !  Gwe-u-gwe  !  how  sad  wonld  we  be 
Were  the  gloom  of  our  forests  not  brightened  by  thee; 


170 


Frontenac. 


Ilah-won-ne-yo  wonld  seem  from  his  sons  turned  awny ;, 
Gwc-u-gwe  I  Owo-u-gwel  then  list  to  our  lay. 


xxxni. 

Ah  the  kah-we-yahs  touched  the  »horo, 
A  band  nl'dtlicr  warriurs  caiiie 

Fruui  the  tliic-k  rank  of  wucids  bt'l'ore, 
livuding  beneath  their  forest  game  ; 

Tlie  .sliMidor  di'tT,  soft,  t'lidu-eved, 

As  if  in  M)rru\v  lie  had  dii'd  ; 

The  long-eared  rabbit  dangling  down, 

Tilt'  jiartridgo  in  its  mottled  brown, 

The  shaggy  boar  in  (^able  eoat 

(taping  with  whitc-langed  crimson  throat, 

The  wild-eat  with  its  eye.s'  green  gleam, 

And  wulf  with  jaws  one  (ijamy  stream. 


XXXIV. 

Pausing  uimn  a  little  glade 

That  edged  with  gra.".sy  stripe  the  shade. 

In  one  great  pile  their  irtime  they  threw, 

Around  it  in  a  eirele  drew, 

Then  in  wild  dance  their  forms  they  flung. 

While  one,  the  -ing  that  headed  sung  : 


Tub  Cayuqas. 


171 


1. 

"  Kind  Kiili-huh-t;oli  !* 
Our  glad  prniso  to  thco  wo  send, 
Thou  art  the  Gwe-u-gwcs'  friend, 
Saying,  '  Warrior,  bend  thy  bow  ! 
liook,  brave,  look  !  the  bear  is  low  ! ' 
Saying,  '  Warrior,  aim  thy  gun  ! 
Look  !  the  deer's  swift  course  is  run  !' 

Kind  Kah-hah-goh  ! 
Thus  our  praise  to  thoo  we  send. 
Thou  art  the  Gwe-u-gwes'  friend. 


"  Kind  K'lh-hah-goh  ! 
In  thy  robe  of  .suinmor  LTcen 
Thou  dost  o'er  our  nnibush  lean. 
Saying,  '  Warrior,  grasp  thy  axe. 
Hush  !  the  foi-  is  on  thy  tracks  ! ' 
Ilush  I  hooh  !  now  in  blood  ho  lies  ! 
Wave  his  scalp  before  his  eyes  ! 

Kind  Kiih-hah-goli  I 
Thus  our  praise  to  thee  "-e  send, 
Thou  art  the  Gwe-u-gwus    friend ! " 


XXXV. 

Ceases  the  deep  and  droning  strain. 
The  hunters  claim  their  load.s  again, 

■  The  spirit  of  the  forect,  In  tlio  Cayuga  language. 


172  FllOXTENAC. 

Joining;  tliu  brnvc8  thon  from  tlio  lako, 
All  tu  the  caotlu,  puthway  tuku. 


XXXVI. 

IJiit  wordu  that  tdltl  mirpriso  niid  nwo, 
liiir^t  rriiiii  till'  Iroiit.  ami  (.'iicli  mic  naw 
Upon  a  iiaki'd  iiiuuiid  tliiit  stuoj 
Like  a  urooii  Imftimi  t'roin  tlio  wnod, 
Against  tilt!  backgniiiiid  rich  and  warm, 

III  posture  ol'siipri'iiic  coiiiiiiaiid 
IJoart'd  til  full  height  — a  warrior  form, 

A  hatchfi  lil'lod  in  his  hand, 
lli'd  as  till!  I. lushing  I'louds  that  threw 
Upuii  the  laku  their  gurgcuiui  huo. 


XXXVII 

A  miiiiipiit's  sileiico  f-'il  ul  <>U^ 

'Twiui  broke  by  Xrc  m;    r.*' Tiiiipcst's  shout, 

■■The  At-o-tvho! '    ii.i  n'.iitk  yell 

Itiirst  then  from  every  '.'.  'Trior  there  — 
•■The  At-o-ta-ho!"  far  the  swell 

Rolled  (III  the  soft  and  sluiiiberin^  air; 
■'The  At-o-ta-ho  I"   deep  the  woods 
Thrilled  to  their  inner  solitudes; 
•'The  At-o-ta-ho!  "  e'en  the  lako 
Seemed  into  that  one  sound  to  break  ; 
Then  the  slmut  I'ell,  as,  flashing,  s]ied 

The  eomer's  eye  across  the  cloud, 


The  Oneii>a-. 


178 


And  with  hJH  liiitehot  o'vr  hiit  i>  .i«l, 
llo  spoke  ill  i.'ii  ■>»  tl,""      ML'  ulini'i 
To  every  liowirii,      tlo, 
The  bloody  Y(i.i-iinii      -yi 
To  Heek  uh  in  our  I'c         ' 
Wurriiirs  !  love  yo  ;  'Vi 

To  ()ii-oii-diili-{;uli,  bi..  '::ii»to! 

Each  foot  upon  the  truil  li 
Owe-u-^wcs,  rouse  !  like  euj,ii    '^n  I 
Warriors,  nil  Laitte !  ull  uieet  the  liiu  1 " 


THE  ONEIDAS. 


XXXVIII. 

Morning  hud  winged  its  rndianco  down, 
Hathing  oiio  hall' the  luMiiloek'N  houd. 
Tipping  till'  dogwood's  lowlier  erowu, 
The  liiurels  then  beneath  it  spread. 
The  uiist  hud  I'urled  its  plumes  on  high. 
Blue  robed  the  lute  flushed,  varied  sky, 
And  the  glad  birds  their  chorus  gay 
Ilnd  ceased,  to  flit  from  spray  to  spray; 
The  deer  had  lel't  the  grassy  glado 
And  crouched  again  within  the  shade, 
And  the  whole  forest  realm  once  more 
A  summer  day's  rich  lustre  wore. 

XXXIX. 

Ivu-na-wa-lo-ah's  lodges  too 

Were  glittering  in  the  golden  Luc ; 


.0   * 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


*'A^. 


1.0 


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(716)  •73-4S03 


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174  Frontenac. 

The  circling  palisades  were  bright 

And  the  short  lanes  were  streaked  with  light, 


XL. 

As  the  great  orb  on  tiptoe  stood 
Upon  a  neighboring  kuoll  of  wood, 
The  prophet,  a  black  bearskin  spread 
Around  his  form,  with  solemn  tread 
Came  to  the  council  house,  reared  low 

And  long  amidst  the  trodden  square ; 
Pealed  out  a  cry  drawn  shrill  and  slow, 

And  08  the  echo  died  in  air, 
Warriors  in  pomp  of  paint  and  plume, 
-  Sires  in  bright  robes  that  decked  their  gloom. 
Matrons  and  maids  displaying  bead 

And  crimson  skirt,  round  every  head 

Thick  strawberry-leaves  in  garlands  spread 
The  rich  ripe  fruit  amongst,  with  speed 
The  narrow  ways  came  thronging  through. 
And  in  the  square  their  numbers  drew. 


xu. 

There  the  young  Roll  of  Thunder  proud. 
Whose  deeds  were  on  the  war-path  loud, 
Stood  in  bis  plumaged,  painted  pride, 
With  the  grim  prophet  at  his  side. 


The  Strawbbert  Dance.  176 


THE  STRAWBERRY  DANCE. 

XLII. 

Now  must  the  Council  square's  expanse 
Echo  the  usual  Strawberry  dance, 
And  thanks  each  bosom  render  there 
To  Fire  and  Water,  Earth  and  Air. 


XI.III. 

The  file,  the  council  house  around 

Was  ranged:  —  first,  Roll  of  Thunder  high, 
Looking  the  brave,  his  actions  showed ; 
The  bear-robed  prophet  next  him  frowned. 

Upon  the  Orient  fixed  his  eye ; 
And  then,  with  sight  that  eager  glowed. 
The  stalwart  warriors ;  then  the  sires. 
Burning  with  all  their  manhood's  fires ;    • 
And  last  the  women,  every  glance 
Flashing  impatient  for  the  dance. 


XLIV. 

Beside  the  council  building's  door 
The  rude  bowl-drum  a  patriarch  bore. 
While  took  a  youth  beside  him  stand. 
With  the  gford-rattle*  in  his  hand. 

*  Gus-ta-we-ea,  a  gonrd  filled  with  dry  bsana. 
24 


176 


Frontenac. 


XLV. 

Upon  them,  from  the  eastern  sky, 
Looked  Hah-wen-ne-yo's  blazing  eye ; 
His  azure  breast  was  o'er  them  gleaming 

With  clouds  in  wreaths  of  spotless  hue, 
A  band  of  his  good  genii  seeming 

The  coming  grateful  rite  to  view. 

XLVI. 

The  soft  yet  brilliant  sunshine  streamed 
On  round-topped  lodge  and  palisade ; 

In  rising  quick  pulsations  gleamed 
O'er  the  domed  maize-fields  nest  arrayed, 

And  flashed  upon  the  leafy  dress 

Of  the  encircling  wilderness. 

XLVII. 

First,  Roll  of  Thunder  bowed  his  head 
To  where  the  sun  its  splendor  shed, 
Then  waved  his  arm  —  the  drum  awoke, 
The  rattle  into  clatterings  broke ; 
And  forward,  with  his  rocking  feet. 
The  chief  began  the  ground  to  boat. 
Swelling  his  guttural  anthem  struin. 
Followed  by  all  the  stamping  train, 
Each  joining  in  at  every  close 
Where  Hah-wen-ne-yo's  prawe  arose ; 
While  the  long  ring  the  square  around. 
Like  a  slow  coiling  serpent  wound. 


I 


The  Strawbeery  Dance. 


177 


"  Earth,  we  thank  thee  !  thy  great  frame 
Bears  the  stone  from  whence  we  came, 
And  the  boundless  sweeping  gloom. 
Of  our  glorious  League  the  home ; 
Thou  the  strawberry's  seed  dost  fold. 
Thou  its  little  roots  dost  hold. 
First  of  all  the  fruits  that  raise 
Gifts  for  us  in  summer  days. 
Thanks,  too,  thanks  we  give  thee,  lowly, 
Hah-wen-ne-yo  great  and  holy  1 
Maker,  wise !  of  all  the  sire. 
Earth  and  Water,  Air  and  Fire ! 


8. 

"  Water,  thanks !  we  safely  glide 
On  thy  bosom  long  and  wide ; 
In  thy  rills  their  way  that  take 
Through  sweet  flowers  our  thirst  we  slake ; 
Thou  dost  give  the  strawberry-vine 
Drink,  when  hot  the  sunbeams  shine. 
Till  its  leaves  spread  fresh  and  bright. 
And  its  buds  burst  forth  in  white. 

Thanks,  too,  thanks  we  give  thee,  lowly, 
Hah-wen-ne-yo,  great  and  holy ! 
Maker,  wise  !  of  all  the  sire. 
Earth  and  Water,  Air  and  Fire ! 


178 


Frontbnao. 


I 

I 


"  Air,  we  thank  thee !  for  the  breeze 

Sweeping  off  the  dire  disease ; 

Thou  dost  bring  the  gentle  rains; 

Thou  dost  cool  our  feverish  veins ; 

Thou  dost  kiss  the  strawberry-flower 

Nestling  in  its  grassy  bower, 

Till  its  little  wreath  of  snow 

Swings  its  fragrance  to  and  fro. 

Thanks,  too,  thanks  we  give  thee,  lowly, 
Hah-won-ne-yo,  great  and  holy  I 
Maker  wise  1  of  all  the  sire, 
Earth  and  Water,  Air  and  Fire ! 


"  Fire,  we  thank  thee !  for  thy  ball 
With  its  glory  brightening  all. 
And  the  blaze  which  warms  our  blood. 
Lights  our  weed  and  cooks  our  food. 
To  thy  glance  the  strawberry  swells 
With  its  ripening  particles, 
Till  the  fruit  is  at  our  tread 
In  its  Loauty  rich  and  red. 

Thanks,  too,  thanks  we  give  thee,  lowly, 
Ilah-wen-ne-yo,  great  and  holy  1 
Maker,  wise !  of  all  the  sire. 
Earth  and  Water,  Air  and  Fire  I " 


i-iiTtjifi.  J^^*  i-'KA. 


The  Canoe  Voyage. 


179 


XLVIII. 

The  last  loud  strain  had  scarcely  died, 

When  a  light  form,  with  hurried  tread, 
Strode  to  the  panting  chieftain's  side. 

Uplifting  high  a  hatchet  red, 
A  look  —  a  pause  of  silence  hrief. 

And  then  "  The  At-o-ta-ho ! "  rung 
In  voice  of  thunder  from  the  chief — 

Forth,  warrior,  sire,  maid,  matron,  sprung; 
"  The  At-o-ta-ho ! "  echoed  high ; 
It  filled  the  woods,  it  filled  the  sky, 
With  manhood's  shout,  and  woman's  cry. 

XLIX. 

"  Hark,  Oneotas ! "  *  loud  and  clear 
Now  swelled  on  every  listening  ear 
The  At-o-ta-ho's  clarion  tones  — 

"  Hark  I  Yon-non-de-yoh  comes  to  tread 
Into  the  dust  your  father's  bones ; 

Up,  warriors !  ere  the  day  bo  sped  ! 
To  On-on-dah-gah  as  for  life, 
Agreskou6  calls  out  for  strife ! " 


THE  CANOE  VOYAGE. 


Two  Indians  in  a  bark  canoe. 
Went  skimming  up  a  rapid  stream 


•  The  Oneidas. 


180 


Frontenac. 


That  lay  in  many  a  winding  gleam, 
Tho  dark  primeval  forest  through, 
Here  ou  tho  brushwood-tangled  banks, 
Kose  tht  tall  trees  in  column'd  ranks; 
While  slanting,  there,  they  closely  wove 
A  thick  and  bowery  roof  above. 
Frc((Uout  some  great  elm,  undermined, 
Within  the  wave  its  boughs  inclined, 
Causing  the  water,  sliding  dark, 
To  wheel  and  fret  in  flashing  spark. 

Dead  jagged  logs  lay  all  about. 
Black  from  the  shores  protruding  out ; 
The  tips  light  tilting  as  the  furrow 

Caused  by  the  paddles,  on  them  bore, 

Or,  as  the  musk-rat  scampered  o'er. 
Scared  by  tho  dashing  to  its  burrow. 
Now  the  stream  slumbered  in  a  mass 
Of  shade,  like  polished  sable  glass  : 
And  now  it  fluttered  o'er  its  stones. 
In  hollow  and  ocolian  tones. 


II. 

The  Tail  Pipe-bearer's  paddles  wide. 
With  rapid  dips  the  waters  spurn. 

While  with  his  usual  look  of  pride, 
Sits  Dawn  of  Morning  at  the  stern. 

Ench  side  the  climbing  laurels  spread 

Their  pink-tinged  chalices  o'erhead; 

And  now  and  then  the  thickets  fling 
So  low  across  their  sylvan  bowers, 


The  Canoe  Voyaok. 


181 


The  Tall  Pipe-bearer's  foatherB  bring 

The  spangled  dogwood's  creamy  flowers 
Showered,  like  a  sudden  fall  of  snow, 
Upon  the  wrinkled  glass  below ; 
While  in  some  sweeping  aisle  of  green, 

The  tassoled  ohesnut  on  their  sight, 
Where  a  long  sunbeam  casts  its  sheen. 

Sends  flashes  ({uiok  of  golden  light. 
The  broken,  glancing  rift  from  out, 

At  the  white  moth  low  quivering  o'er, 
Leaps  like  a  flying-fish  the  trout, 

Then  falls  with  echoing  plash  before : 
As  threads  the  prow  some  channel  narrow. 
The  snipe  darts  from  it  like  an  arrow ; 
To  his  deep  den  of  knotted  roots 
The  otter,  a  swift  shadow,  shoots ; 
Startled  from  his  o'erhanging  limb. 

The  blue  kingfisher  leaves  the  flood ; 
Wades  from  the  marge  the  heron  slim, 

The  gorgeous  sheldrake  seeks  the  wood. 


LII. 

But  thickets,  spotted  n'!  around. 

Dividing  into  th-      '-  the  course. 
Till  scarce  a  struggling  way  is  found. 

Proclaim  them  uear  the  river's  source ; 
And  scarce  the  shallow  waters  now 
Float  e'en  their  bubble  of  a  prow. 
They  seek  the  marge,  the  bark  they  lift 


182 


Frontknac. 


OVr  Pco-wnin-Htn  ♦  trood  thoy  swift, 
Thrending  the  hoIciiiii  trooH  that  riao 
In  Hhnpcf*  ninjoHtio  to  the  itkiuR ; 
And  in  the  stooping  light  they  glide 
Down  wild  O-wah-nah-dah-gnhV  f  tide, 
That  Htcalx,  with  hroadcr  breast,  between 
The  same  close  wilderness  of  green. 
Over  this  wild  niagniflcence. 

Laced  by  the  bright  meandering  streak, 
Solitude  broods  iinbroke.  intense. 

Save  when  some  speeding  eagle's  shriek 
Startles  the  air,  or  howl  of  wolf 
Issues  from  some  black  bordering  gulf 


UII. 

Now  liquid  alleys  pass  they  through. 

Mid  sylvan  islets  set  so  near 
That,  frighted  by  the  switlt  cannc. 

From  one  another  leaps  the  deer. 
From  tree-top  to  its  opposite 
They  see  the  flying-sijuirrel  flit 
Slant  on  its  membrane  wings  across 
The  narrowed  strip  of  ruffled  gloss. 
Then,  down  the  sparkling  frothing  rift. 
The  quivering  bark  shoots  free  and  swift, 
The  Tall  Pipo-bearer's  ready  skill 

•  The  Iro<|UotB  nama  for  the  portaga  lietweeu  Wuod  creek  aud  the  Mo- 
hawk river, 
t  The  Iroqnoii  name  for  the  Mohawk  rlrcr. 


The  Canoe  Voyaor.  188 

Wielding  tho  friiii  light  thing  at  will; 
Thu  pointed  rouk  avoiding  now, 

Fiiani,  like  miuio  angry  benr'H  tUNk,  churning, 
Id  it8  blind  pathway,  then  tho  prow, 

Ai  if  by  iuMtinct,  Hufuly  turning. 


MV. 

As  gunsot  iluHhcd  tho  Hky  with  rod, 
Thoy  ciiiuo  to  whoro  a  lakulot  spread, 
With  domes  of  clay  'twaw  spotted  o'er, 

Whore  bcnvcrs  plunged  and  skiuimod  tho  wave, 
Whilst  others,  busily  on  tho  shore, 

Tho  sapling  gnawed,  or  dragging,  gavo 
Its  leafy  honors  to  tho  tide. 
Towards  the  twined  dam  their  prize  to  guide; 
But  us  tho  bark  amidst  them  passed, 
Tho  sentry  struck  his  blow,  and  fast 
Amid  a  shower  of  strokes  all  vanished, 
Till  every  sight  and  sound  were  banished 
Uf  tho  late  bustling  scene  to  tell, 
With  silence  settling  like  a  spell, 
While  passed  the  prow  tho  lakelet  calm. 
And,  bowing,  crossed  tho  crashing  dam. 


LV. 

Then,  as  the  night  its  shadows  wrought. 
The  dim  tree-slanted  brink  they  sought. 
Where  some  wide  spruce  above  them  bent 
Its  bristling  branches  for  a  tent ; 
25 


184 


Fbontknao. 


And  Hlumbcrcd  till  tho  morning  camo 
Firing  thu  hoarons  with  cheerful  flamo, 
And  Moat  thum  uucu  luuro  on  thoir  way, 
With  wuudH  uud  wut«r»  glitt«riug  gay. 


THE  MOHAWK'S  SCALP  DANCE. 

LVI. 

At  last,  oa  in  tho  glowing  west 
Thu  Kun  oncu  more  rolled  down  its  oroat, 
They  camo  to  where  a  creek  laid  down, 
At  the  broad  ntrenm,  its  Hiibjeet  crown. 
Upon  the  bank,  with  maizeticlds  green, 
An  Indian  palisade  was  8ecn; 
Between  it  and  the  brink,  a  ring 

Of  painted  braves  e'en  now  was  forming; 
As  sought  tho  bark  a  bush — tho  swing 

liegan,  the  dance  each  moment  warming; 
Till,  while  the  drum  gave  measured  stroke, 
Tho  scalp-song  of  the  warriors  woke. 


1. 

"  Whoop  tho  whoop !  danco  tho  dance  ! 
JiCt  tho  knife  and  hatchet  glance  I 
I'oal  aloud,  aloud,  tho  strain  I 
I'c(|uod  dogs !  they  mourn  their  slain  ! 
Mourn  their  slain  !  tho  i'e(|uod  dogs. 
How  they  seek  the  clustered  bogs ! 


TiiK  Mohawk's  8cai-p  Dancb. 

Wiive  thoir  bloody  soulpM  on  high  ! 

I'w|noJ  ilogM  I  how  low  th«y  liu  I 

Low  thuy  liu  I  the  ground  ix  rod  ! 

l*ui|iio(l  dogs  I  they  mourn  their  dead  1 
(Jriiiit  AgroHkoiuM  to  theo 
SwoHh  our  «ong  of  victory  I 


185 


'•  Soo  our  wiir-path  I  far  it  wimlf*, 
IVi|uod  hunting-groundM  it  finiia ; 
ijcurcti  uur  mark  on  eiirth  wc  make; 
Now  wo  glide  uh  gliduH  tlio  simko. 
l'i'(|Uod  dof;H  are  clunibcriiij,'  ducp, 
Near,  ctill  near,  moru  near  wc  creep : 
Now  wo  climb  the  palisades; 
Not  a  sound  the  air  invades. 
Not  a  Hound  I  crash,  crash  I 
In  the  lodges  now  wo  dash  I 
Now  wo  dash  I  our  hatchets  fly, 
(ilciini  our  knives  I     They  die!     They  die  ! 
Gleam  our  knives  !  their  scalps  we  wrench  1 
Wood  in  streams  their  eastlo  drench  ! 
Pe(|Uod  dogs,  like  K    vcs  around  — 
See  !  they  pile  the  very  ground  ! 
See !  they  bend  like  women  now  ! 
Whoop  I  our  foot  is  on  their  brow ! 

(ireat  Agreskoui> !  to  thee 

Swells  our  song  of  victory  1 


< 


186 


Frontenac. 


LVII. 

Ere  the  loat  shrill-toned  echo  sank, 
A  figure  climbed  the  shelving  bank, 
Holding  a  tomahawk  on  high. 
Gleaming  in  deepest  vermeil  dye, 
"The  At-o-ta-ho!"  loudly  sounded 
From  every  lip,  and  toward  him  bounded 
The  Knotted  War  Club.  ♦ 

"  Mohawks,  hear ! " 

The  At-o-ta-ho,  uttered  shrill  — 

"  Your  battle-whoops  peal  louder  still, 
To  red  Agrcskou6  so  dear. 
Braves  !  Yon-non-de-yoh  comes !     His  feet 

Are  on  the  war-path !     Men  of  blood  ! 

To  On-on-dah-gah  like  a  flood 
This  Matchi-Manitou  f  to  meet ! 
Away  !  stern  Bears  !  in  all  your  might, 
Ere  on  ye  dawns  again  the  light ! 

•  Te-an-tc-ka-no  in  Mohawk. 
t  Matcbl-maDiton,  bad  i>pirtt. 


END   OF   CANTO   SIXTH. 


CANTO  SEVENTH. 


THE  MARCH. 
THE  WAR  DANCE. 
THE  COUNCIL. 


THE  QUARREL. 
THE  PRIESTESS. 
THE  SACRED  FLAME. 


CANTO  SEVENTH. 


THE  MARCH. 


AYS  sped  along,  the  rude  flotilla  traced 
The  shoreward  waters  of  Ontario's  waste. 
Up  the  Oswego's  narrow  rapid  tide 
With  struggling  efforts  the  invaders  glide; 
On  either  hand  the  crowded  forests  gave 
A  sombre  darkness  to  the  rushing  wave ; 
Banner  and  cannon,  pike  and  corselet  cast 
Unwonted  glitterings  as  the  focmcn  passed; 
Upon  the  oak-tree's  scaly  breast  they  flashed, 
Out  with  a  scream  the  startled  eagle  dashed. 
Within  the  thicket's  depths  a  gleam  they  flung; 
Forth  with  a  snort  the  brown  bear  awkward  sprung, 
tjuick  slid  the  ottor  down  the  shelving  brink. 
Back  shrank  the  doe  and  fawn  about  to  drink, 
The  beavers  plunged  within  each  mud-built  hut, 
As  through  their  dam  of  trees  a  path  was  cut. 
Ha!  look,  proud  Frontenac!  upon  yon  tree 
The  haughty  savage  still  casts  scorn  at  thee ! 
Drawn  on  its  naked  wood  in  tints  of  red 
Thou,  with  the  warriors  of  thy  host,  art  spread; 


190 


Frontenac. 


While  nt  the  roota  the  hundlud  rushes  show 
The  stern  defiance  of  thy  tawny  foe. 


n. 

Broader  gleamin<!;s  upon  them  break, 

Through  the  thick  forest— "The  lake,  the  lake!" 

Over  its  wide  and  lucid  glass 

Gallantly,  swiftly,  now  they  pass; 

Dash  and  ripple,  and  ripple  and  dash. 

How  the  depths  tumble,  and  sparkle,  and  flash ! 

Hushed  so  the  silence,  at  every  sound 

Kcho  is  up  and  away  with  a  bound  ; 

Solitude  tiingible  seems  to  their  gaze. 

Starting  from  sleep  to  shrink  back  in  amazo; 

Hundreds  of  water-fowl  rise  from  the  sheet, 

Screaming  and  soaring  ou  pinions  fleet; 

In  the  deep  wators  of  purest  green, 

Fishes  in  myriad  swarms  are  seen ; 

Along  the  margin,  a  tract  of  white 

Glitters  like  silver  beneath  the  light. 

A  shout  went  up  —  were  the  old  dreams  true? 

Was  treaaure there  flaiihiug  its  dazzling  hue? 

Boat  after  boat  to  the  margin  shot, 

Numbers  thronged  to  the  sparkling  spot; 

And  the  salt  springs  shone  to  their  curious  oyo. 

Mantling  all  over  their  pearly  die. 

But  away  at  last  the  sunbeams  shrank, 

And  the  whole  fleet  moored  to  the  marshy  bank. 


The  "War  Dance. 


191 


Nigbt  closes  round,  tho  splendid  moonlight  beams : 
The  Icaf-roofcd  tents  arc  chequered  with  the  gleams ; 
Beneath  the  gorgeous  diadem  of  the  skies 
The  whole  wide  scene  in  delicate  beauty  lies; 
One  blaze  of  silver  Gar-noh-gwc-yoh  glows, 
Its  bosom  hushed  in  beautiful  repose ; 
Mid  tho  grand  woods  the  light  its  quiet  weaves. 
Save  where  the  watch-fires  gleam  in  crimson  through  the 
leaves. 


THE  WAR-DANCE. 

IV. 

The  mellow  sunset  glow  that  lay 
On  Frontenac's  debarked  array, 
The  On-on-dah-gah  Hollow  too, 
Sufi'used  with  soft  and  lovely  hue. 
The  maize-fields  wore  a  roseate  flush. 
The  placid  stream  displayed  a  blush, 
While  the  surrounding  forests  seemed 
As  if  with  slanted  spears  they  gleamed. 


Swarms  of  dark  figures  roami.d  around 
Within  the  castle's  spacious  bound. 
Tho  warriors  of  the  league  had  all 
Obeyed  their  At-o-ta-ho's  call. 
The  Mohawk,  oldest  brother  keeping 
26 


192  Frontenao. 

Watch  the  Long  House's  east  porch  o'er ; 
The  fierce,  wild  Seneca,  unsleeping. 

Making  his  breast  the  western  Door  ; 
The  Oneida,  offspring  of  the  Stone, 
The  mother  now  alas  Icil  lone ; 
And  the  Cayuga  from  that  flood, 
With  color  of  the  summer  wood. 


VI. 

Of  the  eight  Totems,  one  each  breast 

Displayed,  in  blue  tattoo  impressed. 

Here  crawled  the  Tortoise,  glared  the  Bear  ; 

The  Wolf  there  lurked  within  his  lair ; 

The  Crane  on  slender  limb  stood  here. 

Here  bowed  the  Snipe,  there  leaped  the  Deer; 

The  Beaver  here  made  waddling  walk. 

And  high  in  air  there  soared  the  Hawk  ; 

While  frequently  was  seen  the  mark 
Of  the  Ho-NONT-KOH  next  the  other. 
Which  none  decyphcred  but  a  brother  ; 

Order  mysterious,  secret,  dark  ! 

Each  making — all  save  this  unknown. 

And  this  by  only  actions  shown  — 

The  other's  weal  or  woe  his  own. 

The  At-o-ta-ho  was  its  head : 

And  through  the  league  its  membcra  spread. 

The  head  chiefs  of  the  other  nations 

Holding  within  next  highest  stations ; 

Save  Leaping  Panther  who  kept  free. 

From  craftiest,  basest  policy. 


The  "War  Dance. 


193 


All  at  their  backs  the  hatchet  bore, 
The  curved  knife  keenly  gleamed  before. 
War-paint  on  every  face  was  spread, 

Though  showed  the  form  the  naked  skin, 
Save  the  blue  waist-cloth,  legging  red. 

And  the  rich  quill-worked  moccasin. 
Fizsccs  were  in  each  hand,  each  eye 

Wa^  flushing  fierce  with  swarthy  fii-e ; 
All  showed  that  danger,  threatening  nigh, 

Had  roused  their  deepest  martial  ire. 
While  womanhood,  age,  childhood  lay 

Within  the  Oneidas'  neighboring  woods, 
Until  the  storm  should  sweep  away, 

Now  rising  o'er  their  solitudes. 


VIII. 

In  the  broad  square  a  post  was  placed 

With  stripes  of  red  — war's  hue  —  arrayed, 

Save  in  one  spot  where,  rudely  traced. 
Was  the  league's  coat  of  arms  displayed. 

Five  braves  that  in  a  circle  stood 
With  hands  tight  grasped  in  one  another's  — 
A  heart  amidst  them  —  tribal  brothers, 

Banded  in  one  firm  brotherhood. 


IX. 


The  broad  moon's  sweet  delicious  light 
Began  to  bathe  the  summer  night ; 


IW  Frontknao. 

Upon  thoir  domes  the  inaize-planta  glowed, 
The  stream  a  track  of  dinmoiids  showed, 
And  the  still,  windless  forests  stood 
Entranced  within  the  pearly  flood. 


X. 
Ab  the  sky  kindled  to  the  moon's  rich  fliuuo. 
Within  the  area  throngs  of  warriors  came; 
Around  the  post  in  mazy  file  they  wound. 
Then  couched  in  rings  successive  on  the  ground. 
Within,  two  gaunt  and  withered  figures  sat, 
With  drum  and  rattle,  each  upon  his  mat, 
While  upward  streamed  in  one  high  ruddy  spire 
Hesido  tlie  post  the  usual  war-dance  fire. 
The  dusky  ring  wore  looks  of  fixed  repose. 
Until  at  lust  a  tall  young  warrior  rose  ; 
With  hatchet,  kuifo,  and  war-club  armed  was  ho, 
A  snowy  mantle  falling  to  the  knee 
Upon  his  breast  the  totem  of  the  liEAii, 
The  Ilu-nont-kuh  stripe  too,  placed  conspicuous  there 
Mid  record  of  his  deeds,  one  crimson  blaze; 
Dress  worn  alone  on  most  momentous  days ! 
'Twas  the  young  At-o-fa-ho !  slow  and  grave 
He  reached  the  fire,  and  then  one  whoop  hu  gavo, 
And,  as  his  brow  grew  dark,  and  wild  his  glance, 
He  broke  into  a  stamping  swinging  dance ; 
From  right  to  left  ho  wont,  the  hollow  beat 
Of  the  rude  drum  dull  echoing  to  his  feet 
Chaunting  in  measure  to  his  rocking  frame, 
While  from  the  two  old  forms  a  ceaseless  droning  came. 


The  "War  Dance. 

"  Dawn  of  Morning  smiles  to  hoar 
Agro8kou6  within  his  ear 
Whisper,  '  worrior  foes  are  near  1 ' 
Eat  their  flesh,  and  drink  thoir  blood  I 
Eagle,  there'll  be  dainty  food 
When  thou  stoopoat  to  the  wood  I 
Dawn  of  Morning  smiles  to  know 
Blood  shall  at  his  hatchet  flow; 
Blood,  blood,  a  crimson  flood ; 
Dawn  of  Morning  smiles  to  hear 
Agrcskou6  within  his  car 
Whisper,  'warrior,  foes  ore  near  I' 

Hush,  hush  1  foes  are  near  I 
Whisper,  '  warrior,  foes  are  near  I ' 


195 


"  Bends  Agreskoui  his  crest 
At  the  deeds  upon  my  breast, 
Fifty  death-screams  have  I  woke  1 
Fifty  scalps  are  in  my  smoke  1 
Eat  their  flesh,  and  drink  their  blood  ! 
Frenchmen  will  be  plenteous  food 
For  the  eagle  in  the  wood ; 
Dawn  of  3Iorning  listens  low, 
In  the  grass  ho  hears  the  foe. 
Quick  ho  sees  the  ambush  1  see ! 
Now  ho  aims  the  quick  fusco! 
Now  he  fires  —  the  foe  is  dead  — 
OfiF  his  dripping  scalp  is  shred  — 
Now  beside  the  lodge  he  creeps  — 
Hush !  within,  the  focman  sleeps  — 


196  Frontenac. 

Now !  ho  (InNhuH  down  thu  door ! 
Now  !  the  focuiiiD  drojw  in  jroro ! 
See  '.  thu  wife  bcHido  him  dies  I 
Sw  !  huHido  tho  infant  lies  ! 
Eaf;or  now  tho  torch  in  gloaming ! 
8eo  I  HOC  I  tho  lodge  in  Htroaming  I 
Eiit  their  fleHh  !  and  drink  thoir  blond  I 
Hlood,  blond,  n  crimxon  flood  ! 
Pawn  of  Morning  Hmilos  to  hear 
Footntopfi  Rounding  in  his  ear, 
Telling  that  tho  foe  is  near ; 

ITush,  hush  1  tho  foe  is  near. 
Telling  that  tho  foe  is  near." 


XI. 

Thus  far  tho  strain  had  made  advance, 

AVhen  forth  the  LcRping  Panther  bounded, 
And  joining  in  the  stamping  dance, 

His  war-song  too  he  loudly  sounded. 
Till  the  first  ring  of  braves  was  springing 
Wildly  around,  all  wildly  singing; 
Their  limbs  in  strange  oont4)rtions  flinging, 
Plunging  their  knives,  their  hatchets  swinging. 
While  rose  tho  chaunt,  and  thrilled  tho  yell. 
And  on  the  post  the  war-club  fell. 


XII. 


And  now  the  mimic  fight  begun  ; 

They  strike,  they  scalp,  they  meet,  they  shun, 


Tub  Council. 


197 


They  orecp  on  the  onrth,  niul  tliey  bond  on  tho  kneo, 
Toniulmwk  Inunchin^,  nnd  iiiniing  fimco, 
I'onliii);  thoir  wiir-whoops,  nnd  striking  thoir  blown, 
As  in  uyo  to  oyo,  hand  to  linnd  Htrifu  with  thoir  foos; 
Tho  Hhnko  of  tho  rntllo,  thu  druni'H  rapid  beat, 
Dlonding  with  woupon  oln»h,  wnr-shout  nnd  foot; 
Till,  thint  withcxhuuHtion,  thoy  rcul  from  tho  ring. 
While  otherH  impnttont,  in  pliico  of  them  opring. 
On  wont  tho  wnr-danco  —  tho  beautiful  moon 
Poured  down  tho  Hweot  (|uiot  Nniilo  from  her  noon  ; 
On  wont  tho  wnr-dunco  —  Hho  stooped  to  tho  west; 
On  wont  tho  war-dance  — she  shrouded  her  croit; 
And  not  till  the  east  was  made  bright  with  tho  sun, 
Did  tho  lone  silent  spot  toll  tho  war-danco  was  done. 


THE  COUNCIL. 


XIII. 

The  glorious  day  resumed  its  bright  dominion ; 
Hues,  such  as  tremble  o'ur  tho  flashing  pinion 
Of  tho  archangel  nearest  to  tho  throne, 
Along  the  rim  of  the  horizon  shone. 
Now  the  rich  colors  deepen  in  the  sky, 
Now  tho  hill-pines  have  caught  a  golden  dye, 
And  now  a  glorious  burst  of  light 
Makes  the  whole  sylvan  landscape  bright ; 


1^  Frontenac. 

l-f-nvos  in  Ilk*  4owny.wiiiK0(l  breoion  quiver ; 
Mint  ourls  «{>  iV>mi  tho  diinplitifj  rivi'r; 
Amloutbrcnkit.lcwHiinnjilod  thicitotond  tree 
Iut<)  a  uhortu  ol'  harmuny. 


XIV. 

Now  was  dinpiiiyi'd  to  luany  a  f^to 

All  Indian  coming,' through  tliu  umizo. 

A  nearer  view,  ••  We-an-duh  I  "  hij;Ii 

AroHo  the  jiiyl'u!  Wfii'iiiiio  ery ; 

Tho  warriorH  ruslicd  to  meet  him,  eucli 

With  outntretehed  hiind  and  kindliest  xpcoch, 

For,  towering  in  the  trii)e,  Ktood  lie 

A  brnvo  of  wide  authority ; 

Ilis  a  sfronK  ''"art  tlint  ne'er  lind  drooped, 

ilin  a  proud  Boul  that  ne'er  had  stooped. 


XV. 

lie  strode  almg  with  hasty  troad 
And  in  I  .  coweriii„' hnik  waw  dread. 
Dread  blent  with  shame  as  if  he  strove 

To  lift  his  heart  the  fear  above, 

Hut  could  not;  still,  while  welcomes  warm 
Gave  the  glad  warriors,  crowding  nigh, 

Ho  for  tho  instant,  reared  his  form, 
As  in  his  past  days  flashed  his  eye, 

And,  with  his  usual  mien,  ho  gave 

Salute  iu  turn  to  every  bravo. 


Tmu  Council. 


109 


And  fi^ouu  tho  cruvou  hI^^ii  that  iiiuit 
At  tlio  rifHt  Hi^ht  havo  rouHO<l  Jiittruat 
Had  thoy  nut  iu  thu  mil  >okuil-ti;r  luootinK 
Ut'  iKithiiiK  thought  ))ut  joy  of  ^rootiug, 
For  riri  Wv'UU-dah  ovi.'ry  bruiMt 
RupoHud  in  i'ull  implicit  rvHt ; 
And  ull  wuro  UIUmI  with  deop  dulight 

That  ho,  0Hca|iiiiK  from  thu  foo, 
Had  oomo  tu  uid  thuiii  with  \\m  uii^ht 

At  Yon-uon-dc-yoh'H  threutcnod  blow. 
Ah,  ii)ro8t  ohioitiii  1 1  iiiihi«  bravo  1 

Wert  thou  iudi'i  d  hu  moan  a  thing  I 
Bottor  havo  filled  u    turrior'H  (;ravo 

Thou  oagle  with  i  broken  wing  t 


XVI 
Where  tho  grim  wor-dani'.   lately  whirlrd  around 
Once  more  tho  warriorn  oriiuohed  upon  the  ground 
Tho  tints  retouched  on  ever    thoughtful  foco 
And  every  weaiKin  quiet  in  \  :s  place; 
Sachems,  and  th68o  in  yoara  nnd  wisdom  old 
WhoBo  thoughts  in  council  ha  I  boon  oflen  told, 
And  braves  whoso  deeds  amid  '  their  enemies 
Were  traced  in  crimson  on  tho  annal-troes, 
And  by  tho  old  men  of  tho  nnt'ons  laid 
In  memory  deep  for  Houg,  tho  i    Ave  made; 
While  gathered  throngs  around    hose  eiroles,  some 
Striking  tho  war-|H)Bt,  but  iu  cuu  cil  dumb; 
Some  neither  known  for  wisdom    -  for  deed, 
The  others,  youthu,  who  gl>>wod  I    ■  glory's  meed. 
27 


<      ! 
I!     I 


200 


FUONTENAC. 


XVII. 
Upon  n  rich  beavcr-skiu  woh  sot 
Tlio  f^orgeous  prido  of  tlio  ctiluinet : 
As  tho  light  touched  its  tbitthcrs,  like  sunlit  dews, 
It  glittered  all  over  with  flashing  hues. 
Be.Hide,  shone  the  flume  of  tho  council,  its  gleams 
Ghastly  and  pale  in  the  morning's  beams. 


XVIII. 

Head  of  tho  circle,  on  a  rich  stained  mat 
With  his  proud  look,  the  At-o-tn-ho  sat. 
At  length  a  sign  he  gave,  and  forward  caino 

The  Tall  I'ipe-bearer  with  a  torch  of  flame. 
Who  seized  the  calumet,  and  with  the  weed 
Filled  the  red  buwl  and  kindled  it;  as  through 
The  air  meandered  the  light  wreaths  of  blue. 
He  pointed  towards  the  sun  the  feathered  reed. 
Then  toward  the  earth,  and  then  around  in  air; 
The  first  imploring  Hah-wcn-ne-yo's  care. 
The  next,  to  sooth  his  brother's  enmity, 
The  la-st  to  make  all  evil  genii  flee; 
To  J)awn  of  .Morning  then  the  pipe  he  gave, 
Toward  heaven,  on  earth,  the  smoky  volumes  wave  ; 
Then  to  We-an-dah  next  the  chieftain  seated. 
Who  the  same  wilemn  ofl'ering  act  reiteaicd; 
To  Lea]iing  I'anther  then,  the  next  beside. 
Till  the  rich  bauble  paused  the  circuit  wide. 


i  I 


The  Council. 


201 


Then  rose  We-nii-diili,  now  his  mien  wus  high, 

Yet  quick  and  restless  oped  and  shut  his  eyo, 

And  lis  witli  dignity  his  arm  ho  spread 

"  We-an-dali  greets  the  At-o-ta-ho  !  "  said. 

"  In  Yon-non-dc-yoh's  dungeon  dark  and  lone, 

Wo-an-dali  huiguished  like  a  toad  in  stone, 

Until  he  blinded  Yon-non-de-yoh's  eyes, 

For  the  fox  taught  We-an-dnh  to  bo  wine : 

lie  sang  a  song  in  Yon-non-du-yoh's  ear, 

For  he  has  stopped  the  nioeking-bird  to  hoar ; 

He  spun  a  web  meant  only  to  beguile. 

For  he  has  watched  the  cunning  spider's  wile; 

On  Yon-non-de-yoh  smiled  his  lips,  not  heart, 

Until  he  bade  him  from  his  cell  depart, 

I'laced  him  a  brother  at  his  hated  side. 

And  of  his  host  then  wished  him  to  be  guide ; 

AVe-an-dah  would  not  lead  their  bloody  tread. 

And  when  night  filled  their  eyes  with  slumber,  fled. 

Great  At-o-t«-ho!  'tis  We-an-dah  speaks! 

A  warrior's  paint  is  glowing  on  his  cheeks, 

lie  in  the  dance  a  warrior's  deeds  has  sung. 

Ho  is  no  snake  !  lies  sit  not  on  his  tongue  ! 

AVe-an-dah  says  then,  fly  !  wait  not  the  foo  ! 

In  crushing  wrath  will  fall  his  dreadful  blow. 

See'st  thou  yiui  leaves  ?  —  a.s  thick  his  warriors  crowd 

With  their  great  guns  that  speak  such  thunder  loud; 

Balls  too  that  falling  burst  in  flames,  and  dash 

Destruction  round  them  like  the  lightning's  flash ; 

Stockade  and  lodge  will  shrivel  at  their  breath. 

And  every  warrior  find  a  speedy  death." 


202  Frontenac. 


XIX. 

He  ceased  —  low  guttural  sounds  ran  through 

The  startled  circle  ;  eye  sought  eyo 
In  doubt ;  each  thoughtful  visage  grew 

Darker,  as  though  the  very  sky 
Had  with  a  sudden  drop  let  fall 
Over  the  scene  a  shadowy  pall. 
That  he,  Wo-an-dah,  thus  should  speak, 

The  valiant  warrior,  just  and  true ! 

Whose  spirit  like  on  eagle  flew, 
It  made  their  hearts  turn  faint  and  weak. 
Glances  began  to  falter  round, 
Ears  bent  as  if  on  distant  sound. 
And.  midst  the  outer  dense  array, 
Movements  began  to  gather  way, 
As  though  to  scatter  in  dismay. 
But  Dawn  of  Morning  rose,  his  arm 
He  waved ;  it  was  as  if  a  charm 
Held  the  assemblage ;  every  eyo 

Was  fixed  upon  liim  as  he  stood. 
And  looked  around  him  proud  niid  high. 

As  though  to  shame  their  fearful  mood ; 
Then,  striding  in  mid-ring,  he  spoke 
In  tones  that  fire  in  all  awoke. 


XX. 

"  Sachems  and  warriors  I  can  it  be 

You  tremble  at  an  enemy '! 

What !  On-gue-Honwce  crouching  low 


The  Council. 


208 


In  fear  before  the  threatened  blow  I 
Shall  a  few  paltry  words  of  air 
Down  to  the  dust  your  courage  bear  ? 
Have  you  not  grasped  the  hatchet  red  ? 

Have  you  not  struck  the  battle  post  ? 
Scarce  have  you  ceased  your  war-dance  tread  1 

Scarce  wind  has  lost  your  song  and  boast. 
Shame,  warriors  of  the  Long  House !  shame ! 
Scorn  Yon-non-de-yoh's  thunder  flame, 
Have  you  forgot  that  here  is  burning 

The  pure  Ho-de-no-sonne  fire  ? 
Rather  than,  from  its  splendor  turning, 
Leave  it  to  Yon-non-de-yoh's  spurning, 

Around  it  glad  should  all  expired 
See !  streams  its  smoke  before  your  eye 
Like  Hah-wen-ne-yoh's  scalp-lock  high ! 
Remember,  far  as  step  your  feet 
From  Winter's  snow  to  Summer's  heat, 
Scatter  the  tribes  like  frightened  deer; 

Wherever  turns  our  frowning  brow, 
The  boldest  young  men  shake  with  fear, 

The  woods  as  though  with  tempests  bow. 
How  often  has  the  Great  White  Bird 

Seen  us  returning  from  our  path 
Loaded  with  scalps,  and,  joyful,  heard 

The  songs  that  told  our  warrior  wrath. 
Senecas !  in  the  month  of  snows 

Our  old  men  chaunt  that  time  of  pride, 
When  the  last  Yon-non-de-yoh  rose. 

To  dash  beneath  his  wrathful  stride 
Ye  —  the  strong,  fast-closed,  mighty  Door 


204  Fbontknac. 

Of  our  Long  House,  within  to  tread ; 

No  Ho-ne-ho-ont  basely  fled, 
But  bloody  Yon-non-do-yoh  tore 
His  flesh  amoug  your  briers,  till  lame, 
Wearied,  and  frightened  he  became ; 
And  like  a  footsore  dog  he  turned 
From  a  few  huts  and  cornfields  burned. 
Back  on  his  war-path,  while  ye  hung 
Your  pole  with  scalps  —  your  songs  ye  sung. 

XXI. 

"  Gwe-u-gwes  I  often  have  ye  fought 
Beneath  your  At-o-ta-ho's  eye  1 

Glorious  the  deeds  you  oft  have  wrought, 
Gwe-u-gwes !  braves !  ye  will  not  fly ! 

XXII. 

"  Oft  Oneotas  I  on  your  path 
Has  At-o-ta-ho  seen  your  wrath. 
When  breast  to  breast  the  foe  were  met, 
He  ne'er  has  seen  you  falter  yet. 

XXIII. 

"  Mohawks !  stern  men  of  blood !  ne'er  ye 

Have  fled  before  your  enemy ! 

From  Hah-rah's  drift-wood  stream,  to  where 

The  Pequods  on  the  salt  waves  sail. 
Your  scalp-whoops  oft  have  flUed  the  air. 

There  oft  has  led  your  bloody  trail. 
Fierce  Bears !  shall  Yon-non-de-yoh  say 
'  Women  I '  to  ye,  '  away,  away  I ' 


The  Council. 


205 


XXIV. 

"  Laat,  On-on-dah-gahs  I  always  true  I 
Proud  people  of  the  hilb!  to  you 
Your  At-o-ta-ho  speaks ; — the  knife 
Of  Yon-non-de-yoh  gleams  above 
This  your  own  castle ;  let  your  love 
Be  shown  for  it  in  deadliest  strife. 
Remember  1  in  yon  palisade 
Your  fathers'  sacred  bones  are  laid ! 
Oft  has  De-kan-e-so-ra's  voice 
Of  music  made  your  souls  rejoice. 
If  from  Sken-ec-ta-da  his  speech 
Upon  the  wind  your  ear  could  reach, 
How  would  it  echo  to  your  heart  ? 
'  My  On-on-dah-guhs !  act  your  part 
Ab  should  ye,  when  upon  his  path 
Comes  Yon-non-de-yoh  in  his  wrath. 
And  his  stern  hand  with  torch  of  red 
Is  raised  above  your  castle's  head.' 
Heart  of  the  league  !  which  holds  the  glow 
Of  the  pure  flame  I  ye'll  brave  the  foe ! 


XXV. 

"  Grasp  all  then  tomahawk  and  knife, 
Amid  the  leaves  like  serpents  hide, 
As  Yon-non-de-yoh  comes  in  pride ; 

Then  leap  like  panthers  to  the  strife. 

And  our  deep  forest's  frowning  gloom 

Will  rest  on  Yon-non-de-yoh's  tomb." 


i  ; 


206 


Frontenao. 


XXVI. 

IIo  ooMod  —  tho  wild  "yo-lmli"  burst  out 
From  the  wholu  crowd  iu  blondod  shout, 
Thoir  flitshitig  wonpoiiH  waved  about ; 
Away  their  Buddon  panic  bore, 

Up  rose  thoir  faltering  hearts  agitin, 
Aud  thoir  storii  native  pride  onoo  more 

Rushed  back  to  all  its  former  reigu. 


XXVII. 

Next,  Shining  Hatchet  slowly  went 
Within  tho  ring,  looked  slowly  round  — 
p]!ich  weapon  loll,  sunk  every  sound, 

And  every  eye  was  on  him  bent. 

Tho  At-o-ta-ho,  while  tho  thrall 

Of  childhood  Dawn  of  Morning  claimed, 
Iligh  as  a  chicnain  was  ho  famed. 

Wise  too  and  just,  and  loved  by  all. 


XXVIII. 

"  Sixty  long  years  have  in  thoir  flight 

My  scalp-lock  streaked  with  threads  of  white, 

But  never,"  said  ho,  "  have  these  eyos 

Behold  a  chief  so  great  and  wise 

As  Dawn  of  Morning;  to  his  words 

Listen ;  they  come  like  songs  of  birds 

In  time  of  blos-ioms  to  my  ear, 


TllK   (iUAUKKL.  207 

My  anil  tf»  iiorv«,  my  houI  to  cheer. 
Dreiid  Yon-iioii-dc-yoli'H  tlmiidor !  who 

Will  ill  tliiH  ring  ol'warriorH  Htuiid, 
And  own  hiH  hciirt  c'or  fainter  f^rew 

At  death  ;  hIiuII  yon-non-dc-yoh'H  hand  " — 
And  hero  hin  Htorn  and  flaHhiiig  eye 

llollod  round  the  ring  in  Hcornt'ul  glow, 

"  Fright  UH  with  Ihh  uplifted  blow 
From  whore  our  fathers'  anhoH  lie  ? 
No  !  let  hJH  great  guiiH  Hluiko  our  woods, 
We'll  crouch  within  their  HolituduH; 
And,  m  coinoH  on  liis  haiiglity  tread. 

From  tree  and  bush  our  shotH  will  gleam, 

And  in  his  boHom's  deurcHt  stream. 
Our  knives  and  hatchets  will  bo  red ! " 


THE  QIJAUUEL. 

XXIX. 

At  the  brave  Shining  Ilatehet's  close, 

Again  the  deep  "  yo-hah  I  "  arose. 

Hut  while  each  savage  eye  was  beaming 

With  thoughts  that  for  a  time  had  slept, 
And  knife  and  tomahawk  were  gleaming. 

Up  the  fierce  Leaping  I'anther  stepped. 
In  all  its  foulest  venom  now 
His  soul  sat  coiled  upon  his  brow  ; 
Away  had  vanished  caution's  power 

That  held  his  luce  and  tongue  alike, 
28 


:i. 


208  FnONTENAC. 

For  now  he  thou};lit  lind  conic  the  hour. 
The  At-o-ta-ho  down  to  Ntrike. 

XXX. 

'•  BrotherH  1  when  frowns  the  tempest-cloud, 
And  lightningH  gleam  as  air  grows  black, 

The  very  eogle  fierce  und  proud, 

Sweeping  high  up  in  boundless  track, 

Turns  his  keen  pinions  to  the  peak, 

Kre  the  wild  storm  its  wrath  shall  wreak. 

When  the  red  fliinio  with  flash  oiid  rour, 
Wrapping  the  crackling  woods  is  near. 

The  furnished  panther  flies  before, 

E'en  though  beneath  him  lies  the  deer  ; 

Hrothers !  stern  Yon-non-de-yoh's  wrath 

Will,  like  the  tempest,  sweep  our  path. 

Like  the  red  flame  will  burn  his  eye ; 
A  bird  is  singing  in  my  car, 
'  Death  and  destruction  hover  near. 

Wait  not  the  foo !  fly,  brothers,  fly  I ' " 

XXXI. 

■'  Coward  ! "  a  fierce  keen  voice  rang  out. 
And  Dawn  of  Morning  with  his  shout. 

High  bounding  to  his  warrior  sped; 
In  frenzied  fury  blazed  his  look, 
For  rage  the  very  hatchet  shook, 

He  held  above  his  head ; 
"  Back  !  am  I  not,  base  creeping  thing, 
Thy  At-o-ta-ho,  and  thy  king  ? 


rnKT^mmm^ 


The  Quarrel. 


209 


Bnek  from  my  si^^ht  I "  terrific  flnmc 
From  Lcnpiiij;  Panther's  eyo-biiUs  came. 

"  lie  will  not  back  !  ho  Bcorns  thy  prido  I " 
Then  die,  foul  dop;!  "  the  hatchet  foil, 
And  headlong  with  a  broken  yell 

The  traitor  fell  and  died. 
Up  to  their  feet  the  circle  sprung, 
The  outer  crowd  a  moment  hung 
Bewildered,  then  tumultuous  swung. 

Like  some  great  billow  in  ; 
Voice  upon  voice  contending  rose, 
Eye  flashed  to  eye  like  mortal  foes, 
And  now  and  then  came  sound  of  blows. 

But  pealing  o'er  the  din, 
The  tones  of  Dawn  of  Morning  boro : 
"Braves!  Yon-non-dc-yoh  is  before! 
Your  At-o-ta-ho  calls  once  more. 

To  ambush  for  the  foe ! " 
A  crowd  of  warriors  round  him  pressed. 
The  Ho-nont-koh  stripe  on  every  breast, 
Fierce  eye,  spread  nostril,  towering  crest, 

Showing  their  martial  glow. 
Just  then,  from  out  the  jostling  throng, 
A  rapid  hatchet  whirled  along 
Close  to  his  car,  and  bounded  nigh 
A  warrior  with  o  whoop,  and  cry  — 
"  Revenge !" — 'Twas  Leaping  Panther's  brother; 
On  sprang  another  —  then  another  — 
And  still  another  ;  flame  on  wind 

Not  sooner  wraps  the  withered  wood, 
Than  through  the  untamed  Indian  mind 


210  Frontenao. 

Hunh  pawion  nnd  iloniro  for  blood. 
Wc-nn-dnh'x  wohIh  Imd  noon  (juick  Hoodii, 
Wliioh  Dawn  of  Mornin)?'n  iitiiioHt  Hkill 
riiul  but  Bufficed  to  c'-.cck,  not  kill, 
And  now  they  boro  thoir  fruit  in  docdx. 
Drirk  Lenpiiig  I'linthcr'H  wily  nrt 
Ilnd  alfio  gained  him  many  a  heart, 
And  when  thuy  Haw  him  in  \m  ^oro, 
And  heard  the  brave,  his  brother,  call 
For  vengeance,  then,  forgetting  all, 
Those  wild  hearta  boiled  in  frenzy  o'er. 


XXXII. 

Brave  Shining  Ilatchet  at  a  Htrido 

Stood  by  the  At-o-ta-ho's  Hide. 

"  Ilo-nont-koh  I  Brothers  I  "  shouted  he, 

"  I'enI  out  your  whoopn  ! "  and  loud  and  free. 

The  brothers  swelled  the  piercing  t>>und, 

Crowding  the  At-o-ta-ho  round. 

All  save  The  Haven  —  (though  by  none 

Beloved,  he  too,  through  courage  rare 
So  prized  by  Indian  minds,  had  won 

At  length  a  slow  admission  there, 
And  yot  scarce  trusted )  — 

Struggling  through 
Toward  Dawn  of  Morning  and  his  band, 
Braves  sent  back  whoops  at  every  hand. 
Wilder  the  wild  contention  grew. 
Forth  in  each  grasp  keen  weapons  flew, 


The  QuAUREi. 


SU 


Fnrmi!  stnifij^lcd,  ImtchctH  whizzed  in  nir, 

III  litU'd  clutcliuM  knivcN  wvro  biiro, 

Fuw>e»  wore  nimcd,  (thotH  riin^  around, 

Hi'iuIh  dropped,  blood  j,'U8hcd  upon  tin-  uronnd, 

And  dimth-gcrcninH,  blent  with  wiir-whoops,  rose 

Fre(|uunt  i'rom  thoHo  uniintiirnl  roi-M ; 

In  vain  the  At-o-ta-ho  Hprung, 

From  point  to  point  hin  nnnx  outflun^', 

Ab  if  to  court  the  blow. 
"  Slay  nie,  but  oh,  these  niurderH  ceaao  !  "  — 
The  Htrifo  Hoonied  only  to  increase, 

Bravo  upon  brave  sank  low ; 
While  Shinin)r  Hatchet  clun^  beside, 

Seeking  each  threatened  blow  to  ward, 
As  if  all  danger  ho  defied, 

Iliii  At-o-ta-ho'H  life  to  guard. 


XXXIII. 


I^\^ 


The  Raven,  in  his  hand  his  knifo, 
Was  ((uiet  midst  the  desperate  strife, 
But  following,  following,  following  still 

Whero'or  the  At-o-ta-ho  went, 
Strujrgling  to  come  nioro  near  —  until 

O'er  the  chief's  back  his  knife  was  bent; 
It  fell  but  in  the  opposing  bienst 
Of  Shining  Hatchet  who  liad  pressed 

Between,  as  down  'twas  sent : 


212  Frontenao. 

Pond  fi'll  the  f;no<l  old  chiuf ;  and  un 
Tho  uiiciiiiHciuiiH  Atn-ta-lio  won 

Still  mid  thu  crowd  liiji  wny, 
Wliilo  j.'liini'otl  Tho  llavoii  Hwiniy  round, 
And  tlu'iico  (inov  nmro  with  Nttmlthy  hound 

I'iunntil  iil'tor  through  the  fray. 


TlIK  I'UIKSTKSS. 


XXXIV. 

liut  lU)  tho  iitnnu  of  whoop  and  hlow 

Hngt'd  wildcHt  —  Nhriukud  a  voico  in  air, 
In  wild  und  thrilling'  Ihiioh,  "  Kiirboar  !  " 

Kcnred  on  thu  Tonipio  of  tho  (How 

Whore  a  HUinll  plutl'orm  croHNud  it«  huight, 

A  wonian'H  form  mot  uvory  Hi^ht 

With  rolling;  eye  and  out«tretchod  head, 

And  hoir  —  a  black  veil  —  o'or  her  spread. 

'•  The  I'rifstoHH  !  "  huri*t  with  loud  oxuiutm 

Around  and  at  tho  droailod  name 

CooBod  wh(top,  and  blow ;  and  every  frame, 
Quickly  ho  motionloHs  had  grown, 

Home  with  a  limb  advanced  —  with  arm 

Uplifted  mmo  —  it  aoomcd  a  charm 
Had  changed  them  into  Ht^mc. 

In  attitude  of  Mtern  connuund. 

Towards  the  fixed  throug  she  8t  retched  hor  hand, 


The  PBiEflTEss.  J18 

And  cried  anniu  iiiom  Mhrill,  "  Forbear! 

Like  (ho  blind  rttttlo-Hiinko  will  yo, 
With  your  HJiarp  Iuukh  your  own  floHh  tsar, 

Whoii  iioar  ye  frowiiH  the  enemy  !  " 
Ad  though  homo  downward  by  a  Hpell, 
Kaeh  form  bent  h)w,  each  weapor   tell ; 
On  went  the  voice,  "  1  hco  a  cloud 

O'or  the  IIo-du-no-Nonne  head  ! 
Id  every  wnrrior'H  spirit  cowed  ? 

Is  every  warrior'M  courage  dead  ? 
Up  Dawn  of  Morning'i)  hutchot  roBo, 

Up  Roll  of  Thundcr'H  ut  bin  Hide, 
The  braves  of  the  Ilo-nont-kuh  clone 

Around  with  lookn  of  flanhing  pride, 
Bearing  their  touuihawkH,  and  then 
UurHt  from  thcHc  Htern  devoted  men 
The  thrilling  war-whoop,  roiling  keen 
Far  o'er  the  distant  forest  Htcne, 
Causing  the  eagle  hovering  near, 
With  a  quick  flap  to  disappear. 


XXXV. 

The  priestess  raised  her  smiling  face, 
Hut  the  loud  whoop  no  echo  finds 
Among  the  rest;  deep,  deep  the  trace 
Both  by  We-an-drth,  who  from  sight 
Iliid  vanished  in  the  late  wild  fight, 

And  Leaping  I'anther  left  in  minds 
Untaught,  impulsive ;  then  the  breath 
Of  the  great  guns  that  winged  such  death 


214 


Frontenac. 


With  terror  ever  had  been  frnujiht, 
Within  their  simple  snvnpe  thought; 
The  combat  also  had  renewed 

Su.spicion  of  Ilo-iiont-koh  sway 
Which  I/caping  I'anther  had  imbued. 

Thinking  this  too  might  open  way 
At  Dawn  of  Morning ;  and  the  pain 
Of  their  fresh  wounds,  friends,  kindred  slain 
Old  rankling  wrongs,  and  private  feud. 
Jealousy,  envy,  all  tlie  brood 

Of  passions  wakened  in  their  might. 
Spread  their  fierce  willi.^ring  influence  now. 
And  each  bent  eye  and  sullen  brow 

Told  of  submission,  or  of  flight. 

XXXVI. 

'•  And  can  it  be,"  the  Priestess  said, 

That  the  league's  braves  would  to  the  tread 

Of  Yon-iion-de-yoh  leave  the  flame  I  " 
A  breathkvs  silence  reigned  around. 
Each  clouded  look  was  on  the  ground 

And  (juict  every  frame. 


XXXVII. 

Onoo  more  extended  she  her  hand 
And  said  in  tones  first  winning,  bland, 
Then  rising  loudly  on  the  air 
Till  like  a  trumpet  rang  they  there, 
"  From  yon  tall  pine  the  feeblest  eye 
Can  view  the  waters  of  tlie  lake 


>'■—""""  -»'■!;"/«' "^"-"."VH  'iw^fg^^tW 


The  Puiestess.  215 

Where  the  tliroo  Wisu  Oiicfi  i'ormeJ  tlie  Tie 
Thoy  I'undly  trusted  miuglit  would  break; 

Wlupso  records  ye  at  leasts  have  heard 
iro-iui-we-iiii-to  ol't  ropeat ! 

De-kau-e-so-ra  !  timguu  of  bird  ! 
lldw  often  has  thy  inusio  sweet 

Tn  jiraiso  too  of  that  League  been  t,'iveii. 

Ah  why,  when  darkness  now  is  driven 

O'er  the  Ilo-de-no-sonue  day 

Arc  both  of  ye  so  far  away  ! 

Warriors,  ye  will  not  break  that  Tie 

And  from  stern  Yon-nou-de-yoh  lly, 

As  if  h(!  were  O-yal-kher  black 

roiiiinj^  on  his  devouring  track  I 

No  !  \\\\n\  he  conies,  yo'll  be,  oli  braves  ! 

liikc  that  bold  creature  from  the  waves, 

That  rose  and  made  the  enemy 

Fierce  as  he  was,  back,  bleeding,  flee. 


xxxvrir. 


Still  I'rom  them  not  a  voice  was  heard. 
Still  no  one  from  his  posture  stirred; 
Although  the  Ilo-nont-koh  with  quick  breath 
Clutched  weapons,  and  (ixed  eyes  of  flame. 
Shoulder  to  shoulder  every  frame 
Stood  the  (all  temple  underneath, 
Jjooking  mute  scorn  at  those  so  base 
Who  clung  like  cowards  to  their  place. 
29 


216  Frontenac. 

XXXIX. 

But  once  more  was  the  silence  broke, 
As  once  more  thus  the  I'riestess  spoke. 
'•  Braves !  hear  a<;ain  the  words  of  dread 
By  bright  To-gan-e-we-tah  said 
A  hundred  hundred  moons  ago, 

'  When  the  White  Throats  shall  come,  if  ye 
Shall  separate,  then  yourselves  will  throw 

The  Long  House  down,  destroy  the  Tree 
Of  Peace,  and  trample  out  the  Flame  ! ' 
Must  now  this  doom  our  j)eople  claim?  — 
Must  ye  with  fierce  and  wicked  will 
This  awful  prophecy  fulfil  ?  " 

XL. 
Then  the  Grand  Sachem  rose,  a  sire 

Of  wisdom  I — "  Kyeball*  will  not  linger 
Until  the  bla.sting  Tliunder-fire 

Of  Yon-non-dc-yoh  comes;  the  finger 
Of  Ilah-wen-ne-yo  points  the  way 
Into  the  deepest  wood.** ;  delay 
Brothers,  no  longer!  1  have  said  I'' 
And  down  once  more  he  bent  his  head. 
Next  rose  The  Wampum  f — "  Scarce  has  moved 

Yon  thin  white  cloud  an  arrow's  flight 
Since  I,  the  only  friend  I  loved, 

Saw  perish  ;  hooh  I  I  will  not  fight !  " 

•  O-kfth  In  On-on-daligah. 
t  Otko-yu  In  Cajufe-a- 


The  Priestess.  217 

The  Tamarack  *  then :  "  I  ever  thought 

That  the  Ho-nont-koh  evil  wrought; 

A  vearrior's  heart  is  open  !  I 

Wait  not ;  my  council  is  to  fly !  " 

Then  Lightningf :  "From  his  hunting-grounds 

The  voice  of  Leaping  Panther  falls 
Within  me  !  '  Brother  ! '  low  it  sounds, 

'  Fight  not  where  Dawn  of  Morning  calls ! '" 
The  Serpent  J  last:  "A  Mohawk  brave 

You  kuow  am  I,  and  yet " —  his  teeth 

He  ground  till  foam  flew  forth  — '<  beneath 
The  knife  of  yon  Ho-nont-koh  slave 
Who  from  me  stole  fair  Min-na-soh 
(But  I  repaid  her  with  my  blow) 
In  the  late  strife  I  bleeding  fell. 
Hooh  !  whoop  !  I  will  not  fight ! " — his  yell 
High  bursting  forth  in  fiendish  swell. 


Xtl. 

"  Then" — and  the  loud  indignant  tongue 

Thrilling  again — "let  warriors  fly; 
"  I,  a  weak  woman" —  and  she  flung 

Her  arm  toward  heaven  and  raised  her  eye  ■ 
"  Come  Yon-non-de-yoh's  scorned  array, 
Beside  the  Sacred  Flame  will  stay ! " 
Again  she  tossed  her  arm  in  air, 
And  the  slight  platform  then  was  bare. 

*Kul-ho-an. 

tEo-iiolnBcneca. 

X  On-yar-he  In  Mohawk. 


218 


Frontenac. 


XLII. 

Awny  the  recreant  warriors  filed 

To  pliiiiiie  within  the  iicifihboriiifr  wild  ; 

Some  beiidiiij:  umlcriieath  their  dead; 

Some  with  turned  look  and  linj^cring  tread, 

As  if,  had  not  forbidden  pride, 

l?ack  to  their  At-o-ta-ho's  side 

Would  now  have  come  their  willing  stride. 

XLIII. 

Sorrowing  mid  bis  Ho-nont-koh  band 
Rent  Dawn  of  Morning,  brow  on  hand, 
While  stood  tlu'  baleful  Haven  near, 
Foremost  of  all  with  scornful  sneer 
And  jibe  at  their  mean  dastard  tread, 
Who  i'roni  their  At-o-ta-bo  fled. 


iii^t 


XI.IV. 

Now  I'roni  the  Temple  of  the  glow 

Faint  stepping,  came  the  I'rieste.s.s  nigh  ; 

Gone  were  proud  front  and  fiery  eye. 
Naught,  naught  was  there  but  deepest  woe; 
She  paused  at  Pawn  of  .Morning's  side. 

And  placed  her  hand  upon  bis  liead. 
And  in  soft  tones  of  tender  jiride, 

"  Come  to  thy  lodge,  my  son  I"  she  said. 

XI.V. 

They  entered,  ami  her  arms  she  pressed 
Around  him  :  "Child,  mv  dearest  child  '. 


The  Priestess. 


219 


Thy  mother  loves  thee  now,  far  more 

Than  when  thy  infant  form  she  bore 
Weeping  and  helpless  in  her  breast; 

How  bravely  " —  and  she  fondly  smiled 
Upon  him — ''hast  thou  done  to-day, 

My  own  true  noble  child  !  but  still 
Thou  must  with  thy  bold  band  away, 

Thoujrh  T  —  'tis  TIah-wen-ne-yo's  will, 
I  —  Priestess  of  the  Flame  must  stay." 
"Hut  Yon-non-dc-yoh,  mother!"  low 
The  Pries*ess  bent  in  crimson  <;low. 
•'  lie  will  not  harm  me  1     Safely  round 
Will  Ilah-wen-nc-yo's  arm  bo  found, 
Thoujih  death  sluiuld  come  to  claim  its  prey, 

'Twould  come  like  that  swift  IJird  of  snow, 
]5y  the  (ircat  Spirit  sent  to  say 
To  Ilah-yiih-wont-hah,  •Come  away  1' 

And  I,  oh  jrlad,  as  he  will  go  — 
And  waiting  thy  loved  presence  there 
The  endless  strawberry  will  prepare  — 
But  thou  must  Yon-non-dc-yoh  flee. 
lie  is  thy  deadliest  enemy  I 
Yes,  thou  must  flee  bim  —  thou,  who  late  " — 

Whe  shuddered  deep  — '•  didst  raise  the  knife 
Against  him,  thou  hast  roused  liis  hate  ! 

Yes,  thou  must  go.  but  at  his  life 
Thou  ne'er  again,  my  child,  must  aim, 

For" —  dropped  her  voice  till  scarce  he  heard — 

"Ijate  llah-won-no-yii's  whispered  word 
I  heard  wiiile  kneeling  at  the  Flame. 
It  said,  '  Ilo-de-no-sonne  hand 


220 


Fbontenac. 


Ne'er  Yon-non-dc-yoh's  blood  shall  shed; 
My  nrni  shall  deal  with  him  !' — a  brand 

Kroke  in  the  depths  —  the  whisper  fled. 
Cm  I  but  I  do  not  say  thy  wrath 
Shall  hover  not  around  his  path, 
From  anibuiih  deep  the  ball  to  wing, 
Upon  his  strasigliug  young  men  spring, 
And  on  them  in  their  wearied  sleep 
With  thy  still  wild-cat  tread  to  creep; 
I  might  as  well  bid  life  depart 
From  thy  Ilo-de-no-sonne  heart. 
At  night  let  thy  unslunibcring  eye 
l}e  like  the  owl's;  thy  feet  by  day 
Be  like  the  tireless  moose's  way; 
And  Hah-wen-ne-yo.  from  his  sky, 
Oh  !  niiiy  he  be  for  ever  nigh  I 
And  when  again  thy  feet  shall  roam 
To  thy  loved  ()n-on-dah-gah  home. 
Once  more,  she  trusts,  thy  mother's  voice 
Will  glad  thine  ear  —  the  Sacred  Flame 
Its  rich,  grand  glow  as  evei  claim, 
To  bid  the  league  again  rejoice  !  " 
She  ceased  —  both  left  the  lodge — and  bore 
Their  footsteps  to  the  band  once  more. 


XLVI. 

The  other  victims  of  the  fight. 
By  the  deserters  left,  were  laid 

AVithin  the  burial-place  —  tho  rite 
Hasty,  and  short,  and  simple  paid. 


£i! 


Tub  Priestess. 

And  then  was  every  narrow  mound 
IJy  the  rude  sorrowing  emblems  crowned. 
Tlien  — Roll  of  Thunder  iit  the  head, 
And  the  sad  At-o-ta-ho's  tread 
Heavy  and  oft-checked  in  the  rear  — 
Filed  the  llo-nont-koh  from  the  scene, 
Each  stepping  in  the  other's  track, 
And  Dawn  of  Morning  pansed  when  near 
The  forest,  gazed  long  lingering  back 
On  the  lone  mother  —  then  between 
The  thronging  trunks  his  figure  light 
Was  hidden  from  her  loving  sight. 


221 


XLVII. 

The  Prie.stcss  glanced  lier  thoughti'ul  eye 
Above,  around;  within  the  sky 
The  sacred  smoke  was  curling  high ; 
One  pearly  cloud  was  melting  there 

Like  Ilah-yoh-wont-hah's  white  canoe. 
When  upward  through  the  summer  air, 

He  vanished  from  his  people's  view 
Amid  the  sky's  triumphal  strain. 
Its  welcome  to  bis  home  again. 
The  sun  threw  soft  and  reddened  flood 
O'er  huts,  stockade,  maize,  stream  and  wood. 
As  if  the  expanded  flame  was  shed 

]{y  Hah-wen-ne-yo's  kind  command, 
Protection  o'er  the  scene  to  spread. 

From  the  approaching  spoiler's  hand ; 
The  river's  voice  was  in  her  ear, 


222  Frontenac. 

Secmiuf;  To-jpin-a-wc-tah's  own, 
TluiM  to  lier  liciirt:  ''Thou  art  not  lone, 
True  J'riestoss  I  I  am  with  thfu  lioro  I  " 
She  Btood  a  moment,  turned,  then  slow 
Entered  the  Temple  of  the  Glow. 


THK  8ACKK1)  FLAME. 


XI.VllI. 

A  hollow  shaft  of  stone  stood  there 

Upon  a  hearth  in  spaces  hewed, 
Hollowed  heneath,  through  which  the  air 

Unceasiiif;  pushed,  ii  furnace  rude. 
From  the  barred  hearth,  the  sacred  blaze 
•Streamed  up  in  broad  and  splendid  ra}-.s ; 
Before  it  reached  the  sliaff ,  it  showed 
A  spot  that  like  an  eye-ball  glowed. 
So  keen,  away  recoiled  the  sight 
Before  the  fierce  and  blasting  light. 
A  low  deep  rumble  from  it  came. 
The  voice  mysterious  of  the  Flame ; 
As  though  To-gan-a-we-tah  wise. 
Ere  went  he  to  his  native  skies, 
Had  left,  with  deep  and  tender  care, 
His  warning  voice  for  ever  there. 
Each  Union  Feast  it  seemed  to  wake 

To  the  crouched  ring  of  warriors  near : 
••  Never  the  league,  my  children,  break. 

If  Hah-wen-ue-yo's  frowns  ye  fear : 


The  Sacred  Flame. 

And  never  let  my  gleaming  eye, 
Kindled  by  the  red  lightning  first, 
When  on  the  mountain  pino  it  burst, 

And  dashed  it  into  atoms,  die  I " 


228 


XLIX. 

Deep  to  the  floor  her  brow  she  bent, 
A  glance  imploring  upward  sent, 
And  tlien  took  down  lier  tufted  mat 
Passed  out,  and  by  the  portal  sat. 
Down  shed  the  sunshine  greater  strength, 
The  shades  commenced  to  shrink  in  length. 
Shut  were  her  eyes,  scarce  flowed  her  breath, 
Sho  seemed  as  though  reclined  in  death; 
Not  e'en  the  slightest  muscle  stirred; 
Around  her  tripped  and  searched  the  bird. 
Leaped  to  her  knee  and  then  her  head. 
And  then  unscared  its  pinion  spread ; 
Still  lightly  rose  the  sacred  smoke. 
And  in  the  soft  wind  gently  broke. 
And  o'er  her  wreathed,  as  if  to  bear 
Away  her  spirit  through  the  air. 
Noon  passed  —  the  building's  shadow  deep 
Began  around  her  form  to  creep ; 
A  fresher  wind  allayed  the  heat, 
The  sun  sent  beam  more  mild  and  sweet ; 
Farther  the  shadow  stole  —  its  trace 
Was  now  o'er  all  the  area's  space ; 
Beside  licr  paused  the  butterfly. 
The  sounding  bee  went  swerveless  by, 
30 


|!|H 


224  Frontenac. 

Even  the  hiUMiniuf^-hird,  mo.st  shy 

Of  all  winged  thiu^,  whizzed  t'earle.sM  uigh, 

Until  nt  loHt  her  raven  hair 

Turned  gulden  in  the  nunset  glare. 


END   OP  CANTO   SKVENTIt. 


CANTO  EIGHTH. 


THE  MAHCII. 
THE  MEETtNG. 
THE  MARCH. 


THE  MOCCA8IN- 

PUINT. 
THE  NlOHT-WATCn. 


(1ANT0  EiunTir. 


TIIK  MAUCII. 


N'  I'roiitcMftc'M  pnnip  the  >;ray  imirniiif;  nroso, 
Ami  till!  (Irmii-rattliibroko  on  it«  heavy  rcposo, 
The  Iiidiuii  was  wrenching  red  Hcalpa  in  bin  dream ; 
Tlio  liardy  bateauninii  washattlinf^  the  Htream; 
Fame  peali'd  in  the  earol'tiio  nohle  her  Htrain; 
And  the  pikenmn  was  swelling  liJH  chorus  again. 
I'p  Hpraiig  the  fierce  Indian  and  I'fll.irhiH  knife; 
Up  uprangthe  batcauiuan  all  urnii'd  for  the  Btrifo; 
The  noble  donned  sabro  and  corselet  once  more; 
And  the  jiikenian  again  his  long  weapon  njibore. 
The  tentH  disappearf'l    md  the  war-like  array, 
In  splemlor  and  rudenens,  pasdcd  slow  on  their  way. 


II. 

Strange  wnH  the  sight  1  rough  trunks  between, 
Heneath  fresh  bonghs,  deep  thickets  through, 

-Nlnskot  and  bn>nst))]ate  cast  their  sheon. 
Mantle  ami  Hag  displayed  their  hue. 

Now  on  some  low  hemlock's  cono, 

Arqucbuso  un  instant  shone ; 


"-K^y'viT^p^l")'"!'!'^?,  "^■y 


"'  f|<9^-f  ??^W'??^'V»'J??.'?^'^''l"^^?*?'?;T?^'STI7<'^■K•  T.W''^.''"" 


28  Froxtknac. 

Now  agniiist  a  streak  of  li;ilit 

Glanced  the  uniform  of  white  ; 

And  some  tawny  liuff-ooat  now 

Gleamed  upon  the  streamlet's  hrow. 

On  the  forest-earth  were  feet 

Bloodiest  hattlo-fields  had  beat, 

And  had  bounded  in  the  dance, 

Mid  the  gay  saloons  of  France  ; 
Instead  of  the  trumpet  and  shout  of  blood. 
Was  the  soothinj;  peace  of  the  miiet  wood  ; 
Instead  of  rich  arras  and  waxen  gloss, 
Were  tiie  fleece-like  leaves  and  the  silk-like  moss; 
Instead  of  soft  voices  and  footstcj)S  gi.y. 
Were  the  song  of  the  bird,  and  the  dance  of  the  spray. 


nr. 

Upon  their  creakinjr  wheels  the  cniiion  mllcd. 
Jolting  o'er  roots,  or  sinking  in  the  mould; 
In  a  carved  chair  behind,  amid  a  throng 
Of  noldes,  Froiitcnac  was  borne  along; 
While  in  the  van  We-an-dah  slowly  went, 
Ilis  deep-flushed  brow  upon  liis  bosom  bent. 
I'assed  was  the  pine  reared  proudly  in  the  air, 
Whose  top  the  eagle  claimed  — whose  trunk  tlie  bear; 
PatuHid  wax  the  mining  streandet  flowing  deep 
IJelow  its  alder  roof  with  sullen  creep  ; 
I'assedwere  wet  liollows,  dry  and  mossy  knolls. 
And  grassy  openingH  set  with  pillared  bolls; 
Passed  great  prone  trunks  with  emerald  coats  (M'rsprea<l. 
And  swamps  where  trees  stood  lichencd,  gauntuuddead ; 


The  March.  229 

Passed  sunlit  vistas  rencliing  far  away. 

And  f^lndes  spread  broadly  to  tlie  golden  day; 

"  Onward  I  "  shouts  Knintcuac,  as  here  and  there 

Ilia  numbers  hesitate  the  depths  to  dare ; 

Thus  was  each  mile  of  struggling  labor  won  ; 

Up  to  its  noon  arose  the  fervid  sun, 

Then  it  commenced  the  curve  of  its  descent, 

And  grew  more  golden  as  it  downward  went ; 

Still  on  they  struggled,  all  array  were  lost. 

And  each  as  willed  it,  ridge  and  hollow  crossed, 

The  pikenian  lagged  amid  wayward  roam. 

And  sang  the  vineyard  melodies  of  home, 

While  the  grave  Indian  passed  with  stag-like  stride, 

Nor  deigned  a  glance  in  his  majestic  pride. 

IV. 
Varied  the  talk  the  reckless  bands  exchanged 
As  through  th'j  woods  thus  brokenly  they  ranged. 
"  See  in  yon  covert  where  those  maples  meet. 
That  startled  deer  I  how  fiercely  doth  he  beat 
With  his  black  hoofs  the  earth  —  hark,  hark,  how  shrill 
Ills  whistle  I  now  he  darts  behind  the  hill. 
Yon  ])artridge  by  that  bush,  a  mottled  speck, 
He's  upon  tiptoe  !  view  him  stretch  his  neck  ! 
List  to  his  startling  clap  1  he  shoots  away. 
Hear  that  black  S(|uirrel  hi.ssing  on  the  spray! 
View  master  hawk  1  what  long  sharp  yellow  claws  ! 
He  whets  his  beak  !  he  s  oft"!     Those  deafening  caws 
Tell  tpf  the  crow  I  yes,  there  they  swift  retreat, 
Warned  by  their  sentry  of  our  coming  feet ! 
That  snort  and  blow  I  off  bruin  waddles  there  — 


280 


Prontknac. 


You're  a  stronfr  wrestler,  Merle !  a  chance  so  rare 

You  have  but  stlJuui  I     Head  liiiu  I  show  j'our  hug  I 

lie  seeks  you  wiuJtiill  through  the  hollow  dug 

By  the  tornado.     Haste  I  or  in  jammed  bougli 

And  root  he  hides  I  yes,  yes,  he's  vanished  now  !  " — 

'■  Why  dost  thou  start  thus  backward,  Meux  '!  with  fear  ! 

The  rattle-snake  I  beware  I  the  monster's  here  ! 

Here  in  this  nook  I  iiark  now  the  note  he  springs, 

His  warning,  like  the  song  the  locust  sings  I 

Ha  I  the  coiled  monster  I  see  his  tongue  of  flame  I 

His  flattened  head!  his  striped  and  swelling  frame  ! 

Back  flies  his  jaw  I  that  missile  mark  him  strike. 

Falling  beside  him  I  thrust  him  with  thy  pike  1 

Well  done,  Meux  1  how  he  dart.s  !  give  thrust  once  more  I 

He  sinks  I  he  writhes  I  his  mischief  now  is  o'er  ! 

Though  hours  he'll  linger.     Hark  !  that  distant  song  ! 

It  is  the  thrasher's  thrilling  thus  along. 

How  sweet  the  warble  I  now  so  high  its  shake. 

It  seems  its  fine-drawn  delicate  thread  will  break  ; 

Now  in  full  ring  comes  on  its  li(|uid  swell. 

Like  the  rich  music  of  some  silver  bell; 

And  now  the  strain  drops  low,  yet  full  and  round. 

The  listening  soul  dissolving  with  itf  sound! 

Is  it  not  sweet,  Allaire  '/  " 

"  Ah  yes.  Merle,  yes  ! 
How  oft  when  eve  commenced  on  day  to  press, 
I  from  the  gallery  at  (Quebec  have  lieard 
The  soft  pure  flute  of  this  enchanting  bird. 
And  thought  of  home  upon  the  smiling  plain 
Beside  the  Loire,  and  I  was  ynung  again  ; 
My  boy  came  bounding  toward  my  homeward  feet. 


The  Meeting. 


231 


My  wife  was  there  her  weary  one  to  greet, 

While  the  low  vesper  bell  was  on  the  air, 

And  all  things  round  me  seemed  to  whisper  prayer. 

Oh  then  I  lived  in  long  departed  years, 

My  eyes  were  filled  with  sad  delicious  tears. 

And  not  until  that  woodland  strain  was  o'er 

Did  the  dream  pass  and  leave  me  old  once  more ! " 


THE  MEETING. 


The  afternoon  breathed  cool  among  the  shades. 
And  sunset  now  was  streaming  through  the  glades. 
The  western  foliage  gleamed  in  golden  gloss, 
And  sifted  sprinklings  on  the  grass  and  mossj 
Now  the  grim  cannon  blinking  sparkles  showered 
Its  ponderous  wheels  in  leafy  gloom  embowered ! 
Now,  where  some  hollow  poured  its  slanting  rays, 
Guu,  flag,  and  corselet,  all  were  in  a  blaze. 
On,  on  they  pressed,  but  patches  now  of  light 
Gratefully  cheered  their  gloom-accustomed  sight; 
Broad  glitterings  through  the  trees,  and  murmurs  low 
Blent  with  the  wood's  hum,  told  a  river's  flow; 
And  now,  in  front,  a  slender  thread  of  smoke 
Oa  the  sky's  rich  and  golden  back-ground  broke. 
The  stealthy  scouts  crept  every  eye  to  shun. 
And  told  by  signs  the  welcome  goal  was  won. 
31 


282 


Frontknac. 


A  briphtnoss  passed  across  each  weary  brow, 

Itaiiks  were  retiiriiied,  and  all  was  order  now. 

Swii't  they  approaelied  the  upeuin;,'  ^rliiiiiiieriii^  wide, 

Kiiii-da-iiua's  ripples  glancing  by  their  side. 

They  left  the  woods,  the  maize-fields  spread  their  green, 

All  < )n-on-dah-gah  Castle  there  was  seen. 

Whoops  burst  )ut  wiliily  from  the  Indian  throng. 

Like  fami.shed  wolves  they  howled  and  leaped  along. 

All  save  We-an-dah, —  with  averted  ^aze 

lie  crept  and  hid  anmng  the  phalanxed  maize. 

On  through  the  gateway  i.i'  the  palisade, 

On  throngh  the  lonely  lanes  their  way  they  made. 

Until  at  last  they  burst  npon  the  s(|uare; 

The  high-roi)fed  Temple  of  tiic  (ilow  was  there; 

Thai  shrine  so  famed  thrdUglumt  the  iied-nien  I  shriui 

AVhieh  lield  the  Flame  .-^o  hallowed,  so  divine  1 

Known  in  all  tribes  by  legends  strange  and  d.irk, 

Of  mystery,  wonder,  dread,  yet  hate,  the  mark  I 

On  toward  the  porch  they  sprang,  but  who  sits  there 

With  such  eumjii'sed  and  yi't  maje.'-fie  air  I 

The  Otter,  leader  ol'the  .••avage  bands. 

Stops,  looks,  advances,  stops,  extends  his  bands. 

"  IJack,  slave  !  touch  not  the  Priestess  I  back  1 " — with  awe 

That  rising  form  the  startled  Indians  saw, 

And  not  a  weapnu  stirred  n<ir  war-whoop  rung; 

It  seemed  as  if  a  sj)ell  were  o'er  them  thing. 

The  mastery  of  the  mind  ;  once  more  she  spuko  : 

'■  liCiul  mo  to  Yon-non-de-yob  I  " — just  then  broke 

The  throng  for  Frontenac;  she  met  bis  eye; 

lie  bounded  from  bis  chair  with  one  wild  cry 

••  lla  !  " —  then  be  checked  him.^elf  with  ellort  strong ; 


The  MEETiNd, 


288 


"  IIo  !  Otter  I  take  from  Iicncc  thy  warrior  throng! 
Ouiirds,  draw  around  I  " — then  to  the  Priestess  turning, 
"En<cf  !" 

"  Not  where  the  Sacred  Flame  is  burning  !  " 
Grasping  licr  arm,  yi-t  gently,  then  he  led 
Swil't  wltliin  Pawn  of  Morning's  lodge  her  tread. 


VI. 

'•  Sa-ha-weo  !     Can  it,  can  it  bo 

3Iy  loved,  my  long  lost  1 " — and  he  threw 
I  lib  arm  around  her  pa.ssionately  ; 

But  up  her  slender  form  she  drew. 
And  with  a  stcrn.ly  frowning  brow 

Broke  from  his  arm,  and  wa\  ed  him  back : 
'■  Sii-ha-wee  is  the  Priestess  now; 

0-nah-tah  *  is  fierce  Frontenac, 
Red  Von-non-de-yoh  !  " —  but  he  still 
Exclaimed  in  tones  of  tcndcrcst  thrill, 
''  Oh  do  not,  do  not  turn  from  me ! 

Jiong  years  have  pissed,  how  drear  and  long, 

My  bird  I  since  lust  I  hciird  thy  song!" 
And  once  uwrc  to  his  bosoui  ho 
Her  form  caught  wildly;  in  his  face 

Sa-!in-wee  looked  with  soi'tening  eye, 
A  niojiient  stood  in  his  embrace. 

Then  breathed  a  (juick  and  yielding  sigh, 
While  wakeaed  feeling  on  her  chuek 
Commenced  in  rising  hue  to  speak ; 

•  Tlif  luuc-lrco In  Onon-dab-gah. 


234  Frontenac. 

Ami  then  a  second  rush  of  thought 
A  deeper  kindlier  color  brought, 
Although  a  lingering  sternness  yet 
Within  her  eye  the  softness  met. 
"  But  how  Ha-ha-wee  !  dearest,  how, 

How  hast  thou  risen  thus  from  the  dead  ?" 
The  I'riestcss  swept  from  off  her  brow 

The  long  black  hair  a-jross  it  spread. 
And  f'loro  displayed  a  deep-marked  scar: 

"  Ta-yo-noe's  hatchet  did  not  slay  ! 
But  when  Sa-ba-weo  woko,  afar 

In  licr  own  lodge  once  more  she  lay 
At  On-on-dah-giih  ;  the  stern  mood 

Of  the  stern  brother  soft  was  made 
When  by  his  arm  he  saw,  in  blood, 

His  once  loved,  only  sistor,  laid. 
Long  were  the  hours  'twixt  life  and  death 

1  hung ;  ( )-nali-tah  seemed  to  stand," 
And  a  soft  loving  eye  she  now 
Turned  on  his  earnest  listening  brow, 

••  ]NIy  head  oft  holding  with  his  hand. 
And  words  of  love  upon  his  breath  ; 

But  always,  always  was  my  child 

Around  —  my  neck  her  little  arm 

Now  circling,  now  her  kisses  warm 
Touching  my  lips  as  sweet  slie  smiled. 
I  rose ;  Ta-yo-nee  by  my  side 

Had  kept  a  never  ceasing  watch 

Lest  otlhT  ears  the  tale  should  catch 
My  ravings  told;  he  wished  to  hide. 


The  Meeting. 


285 


Ho  said,  my  burning  shamo  that  I, 

Tho  daughter  of  The  Sounding  Bow, 

IHh  sister  should  have  fallen  so  low 
In  Yon-non-dc-yoh's  breast  to  lie 
Unwedded  !  I  deserved  to  die  ! 
He  told  that  I  had  been  the  wife 
Of  a  French  soldier  lately  o'er 

In  tho  ne'.7  Yon-non-de-yoh's  train, 
From  where  the  last  one  basely  boro 
Myself  and  sire;  my  husband's  life 

Had  watched,  and  him  at  last  had  slain 
In  our  own  lodge ;  by  accident 

One  of  the  blows  his  arm  had  dealt, 
Had  from  my  husband's  head  been  bent, 

And  thus  my  brow  the  weiglit  had  felt. 
All  this  time  too  within  my  ear, 

Against  thee  he  was  whispc:  ng,  till 
Against  my  strong  and  struggling  will, 

The  tall  0-nah-tah,  loved  so  late," 
Here  on  his  hand  a  kiss  she  pressed. 
And  strained  it  fondly  to  her  breast, 
"  To  Yon-non-de-yoh  changed,  and  fear 

Chased  love  away,  then  blent  with  hate. 
But  still  my  child  so  sweet  so  bright. 
Was  never  absent  from  my  sight ; 
In  thought  by  day  in  dreams  by  night, 
I  saw  her,  and  so  deep  my  pain. 

Ta-yo-nee  left  to  pluck  my  flower 

From  hated  Yon-non-de-yoh's  bower  j 
He  brought  her  and  I  smiled  again ! " 


286  Frontenac, 

"  What!  doth  she  live?"  in  (|uickly  broke 

Here  Froiitonac.     Su-liii-woo's  f'nco 

All  iiintmit's  painful  thought  bore  trnco, 
She  bowed  nud  hid  it  —  then  she   poke: 
"  No,  II ),  (!-niih-tah  I  Hho  Ih  dea.      ' 
FrontC'iae  bent  his  stilvored  bead  : 
"  'Tis  as  I  deemed ;  my  scouts  I  Bcnt 
On  every  side ;  but  first  they  went 
To  On-on-dah-gaii,  for  I  tliougbt 
Ta-yo-neo  too  this. deed  had  wrought; 
Thej'  bore  back  tidings  he  bad  died 

In  some  late  war-putli " — 

"  True,  most  true, 
The  very  night  that  by  my  side 

."Nly  child  be  placed,  the  war-path  drew, 
With  Ku  an,  At-o-ta-ho  then, 

!My  brother's  warrior  tread  away 
Ti)  a  far  Adirondack  glen. 

And  both  braves  perished  in  the  fray!" 
Frontoiiac's  eye  a  moment  flamed : 
"  Heaven  took  the  vengeance  that  I  claimed; 
Hut  li't  him  rest  in  peace.     No  word 
Of  my  Iiisf  little  one  I  beard 
Tbriiiigb  thy  l,oiig  House,  my  scouts  in  vain 
3Iade  search,  no  tidings  di<l  they  gain, 
Till  liope  at  last  I  ceased  to  feel. 

And  the  blind  fruit!e.>is  search  gave  o'er  ; 
Since  then  ['ve  only  thouglit  I<ucille, 

liike  thee.  Sa-ba-wee,  was  no  more. 
My  scouts  too  told  me  in  their  tale, 
AVhen  at  thy  village  ceased  their  trail, 


The  Meetino. 

It  wns  a  (ky  of  f'oant  ami  j^lco 

Fur  tho  new  Priestess  of  the  Flnmo. 

Ah  I  little  did  I  deem  that  she 
And  thou,  my  lost  ono,  were  the  same." 


237 


VII. 

Ho  ceased  —  and  each  n  moment  stood 
In  silence  by  deep  thoughts  subdued : 
Then  low  the  Pricstes      cnt  her  frame, 

And  taking  in  both  hers  his  hand, 

Kxclaimed  in  tones  of  music  bland, 
'•  One  boon,  one  boon,  the  Sacred  Flame 
Spare,  spare,  0-nah-tah!" 

"  For  thy  sake, 

Thy  sake,  Sii-ha-wecl  —  ha  I  thai  glare, 
Those  whoops  !  " — they  saw  a  tierce  light  break 

O'er  the  dim  space  of  twilight  air. 
Through  tlu'  sinoko-oponing  overhead. 
And  both  nished  forth  with  startled  tread. 
Alas,  poor  Priestess !  one  keen  glow 
Wrapped  thy  loved  Temple  of  the  Glow, 
While  wildly  round  the  red  expanse, 
Writhing  in  fast  and  frantic  dance. 
The  Otter  and  his  Hurons  went. 
And  high  triumphant  whoopings  sent 
That  with  the  fire's  loud  cracklings  blent; 
Alas,  poor  PriestB.«H!  fiercely  sprung 
Froutenac  forward,  fiercely  rung 


238    '  Frontknac. 

Ilis  loud  harsh  tones :  "  What  during  hatid 
Hasdono  thia  deed  without  coimuaiid?" 
Tho  Priostoss  (ruzcd  —  tlmt  Flame  bo  long 
Watched  o'er  by  her  with  love  so  strong, 
For  whoso  loved  sake  sho'd  xought  this  hour 
To  save  it  I13  '  •  iiah-tah's  power, 
The  star  to  which  tho  nntious  turntd, 

Sign  of  tho  league !  so  deeply  cherished ! 
Which  for  unniiiiiherct  years  had  burned, 

And  which  she  hoped  would  ne'er  have  perished. 
Eye  of  tho  Long  House !  kindled  there 
By  Ilah-wen-ne-yo's  loving  cure, 
To  be  extinguished,  spurned  bencuth 

Tho  feet  of  foes  most  scorned,  who  fled 

Before  her  peoi)le's  very  tread 
Ere  thin  —  she  recli'd  —  she  gasped  for  breath, 
And,  mid  the  wild  and  stunning  swell 
Of  savage  joy,  she,  swooning  fell ; 
And  quick  his  kindling  rage  forgot, 
Frontenao  bore  her  from  tho  spot, 
And  his  old,  faithful,  staid  Allaire 
Meeting,  cousigucd  her  to  his  care. 


TuE  Marcu. 


889 


THE  MARCH. 

VIII. 

Before  the  tent  of  Frontonac 

Pitched  in  the  square,  the  sentry  Merle 
Saw,  striding  in  his  weary  track. 

Slowly  the  wings  of  darkness  furl. 
The  watch-fires  that  around  him  burned 
Wasting  to  ghastlier  color  turned ; 
The  tent,  bathed  late  in  ruddy  light. 
Stood  in  its  graceful  folds  of  white ; 
A  crimsoned  object  in  advance 
Changed  to  the  snowy  flag  of  France ; 
The  lodges,  where  the  whole  array 
Save  the  disdainful  redskins  lay 
In  slumber,  through  the  shimmering  air 
Their  customed  shapes  commenced  to  wear ; 
Its  redly-flickering,  chequering  shade, 
Throw  oflF  the  neighboring  palisade; 
Spectres,  that  back  and  forward  ranged, 
To  brother  sentinels  were  changed ; 
The  barky  emblems,  shapes  grotesque, 

Upon  the  mounds  of  burial  placed. 
In  the  wild  light  so  picturesque. 

Were  in  the  brightness  fully  traced. 
A  shadow,  wavering  motions  making 
To  the  wind-moulded  watch-fire's  shaking, 
Shrank  to  the  drum  that,  near,  had  found 
32 


S'-J  tSL.'.^: 


■  It 


840  Fkoxtenac. 

Agiiiu  iUi  nativu  dyt        nuiid, 

I)iH|iIiiyiiig  evoii  tlio  lite  within 

Iti4  riii>:  ol'buatoii  tiiwiiy  nkiii ; 

A  criin.Hun  fliu«h  that  otlt  hml  i«hot 

Into  MitIc'h  i-yvn  an  jiuf-t  the  npcit 

Ho  Htrodc,  to  Htt'oly  fjluw  turned  nuw 

Upon  a  broa!tt-|dutu  caitt  bvluw  ; 

Tho  buglt)  lyin^,'  Jiy  it,  sluti^,' 

Upon  itx  Mtrup,  II  glittor  thnii;; 

Thu  uawfue,  thrown  near,  kuon  rii\  ^  flntthcd  out ; 

Dark  brands  of  liici  idiowod.  strewed  about; 

^Vliilc  numerous  li^'ures  round  tli.   .sijuare 

Tuld  that  tliu  wild  men  of  thu  holt, 
Scorning  all  roof  but  sk_\,  wore  there 

In  sleep,  weij;hed  down  by  or^'ies,  lost. 
Spots  iu  tho  arua'H  midst,  deup  gleamiug, 
Eyeballs  of  lurkiiiL'  nionstei     >eeniing 
Within  Merle's  wandering,  idle  dreaming, 
Mammoth  or  seri)ent  terrilde, 

Tlieso  forests'  former  Iiabitants, 
He  oft  had  hoard  the  Ilurons  tell, 

Devouring  all  within  their  haunts. 
Turned  to  pale  coals;  while,  midst  them  reared, 
A  tall  and  blaekened  shaft  appeared, 
Tho  sole  memorial  left  to  show 
Where  stood  the  Temjile  of  the  Glow. 
Not  this  alone,  but   his  keen  eye. 

Once  by  a  shoot  of  searlct  light 
Scut  by  the  wateh-fire.  chanced  to  spy 

A  crouching  ligure;  through  the  night 
lie  oft  had  thrown  his  curious  look 


The  Mauch. 


241 


IJp«m  tlmt  Muck  iiiul  l'r(jwiiiiiK  ii'iok 
Where  -taw  he  firnt  tliu  rnnii,  it  j^lcmii 
Wuuld  now  and  then  ncroHH  it  wtrcnin 
And  .still  lie  Hnw  tlie  fij;iiro  there 
Hum  as  ireruHlieil  by  deeji  desjmir. 
No  foo  ho  deviiiud  it,  yet  'twas  ntrnngo 
There  wifhmit  motion,  without  ehaiigo, 
Uy  the  reil  ^rlow  which  o'er  would  flit 
He  viewed  that  dark  weird  tinnro  nit. 
The  (hiwiiiu).'  li.ht  diKclosed  at  laHt 
The  droojiiui,  ''rieste^'^*  w''o,  wliile  i'ast 
Allaire,  toil•^])cIlt  with     ,'i.rehing,  clept, 
Away  with  ntealthy  i-*"^   jiad  crept 
In  her  uusluuiljerin^j   rriel'tct  hrood 
Amid  the  'i  ■  ''ks  around  her  Htrcw  '  ; 
Wrecks  oi  whui  lately  was  the  framo 
Of  its,  sliL  thouf.ht,  iindyiiij:  flame, 
Flnnio  of  her  frlory  !  holding;  jilaco 

Next  Dawn  ol'  Morniu).'  in  her  heart. 
Which,  woe  most  deep!  most  foul  disj^'race! 

Had  seen  its  last  faint  flash  depart. 
Flame  of  I'.er  ,nlory  I  oh.  how  prized  ! 
Amid  the  foes  the  most  despised! 
Never  aj,'ain  to  show  its  lifrht 
Unless  in  pity  to  the  niL'ht, 
Shroudin}!  the  Lonfj  Hou.sc  from  his  oye 
Should  llah-weii-ne-yo  cause  to  fly 
The  linhtnini^  n.s  in  days  of  yore, 
And  give  the  sacred  lifilit  onco  more, 
That  would  once  more  with  sparkling  power 
Make  summer  of  the  winter  bower, 


■"myiyfr^  '\r^'^^_' 


242  Frontenac. 

^lake  daylight  of  the  midnight  hour, 

With  its  rejoicing  blaze 
And  gladness  through  the  Long  IIouso  shower, 

As  in  its  brightest  daj-s, 
Kro  treaehoroius  counsels  had  prevailed, 
Ere  craven  terror  had  assailed, 
Or  evil  passions  had  burst  out, 
Scattering  their  awful  fruits  about. 
Causing  the  Long  IIouso  now  to  lie 
In  gloom  beneath  a  gloomy  sky. 


IX. 

Still,  still  the  east  horizon  grew 
More  soft  and  clear  and  bright  in  hue  ; 
The  clouds  displayed  a  dappled  mien; 
The  forests  changed  i'rom  dark  to  green ; 
While  in  full  joyous  chorus  there 
IJursf  warbles  on  the  dewy  air ; 
At  last  the  clouds  with  light  were  laced, 
On  gold  and  pearl  the  woods  were  traced, 
The  Orient  seemed  of  rainbows  wrought, 

(uild  seemed  across  the  trees  to  run. 
And  then,  like  some  majestic  thought 

Kindling  the  brain.  Merle  saw  the  sun. 


X. 


As  on  the  hill-top's  loftiest  pine  it  glowed. 
The  wide  eneampuieMt  stir  and  hustle  showed  ; 
Frontenac,  restless,  with  a  jacked  array 


The  Moccasin-Print. 


243 


Of  pikes  and  imiskcts,  quick  liis  vengeful  way, 
The  Atlirondack  and  (lie  Huron  band, 
Fiercest  of  all  his  tribes  !  to  aid  his  hand, 
Was  now,  among  the  endless  woods  to  push. 
The  Oueidas  in  their  fastnesses  to  crush. 
Leaving  his  ordnance,  and  remaining  train 
At  On-on-dah-guh  till  ho  conio  again. 

XI. 

Seated  within  his  chair  of  state  once  more 
Frontcnac  takes  his  pathway  as  before ; 
Sa-ha-wco,  still  the  object  of  his  care, 
Near  him  is  placed,  protected  by  Allaire  ; 
The  yet  soft  sunbeams  of  the  morning  strike 
Again  on  moving  musket,  flag  and  piko. 
And  once  more  do  the  numbers  onward  press 
Amid  the  vast  and  solemn  wilderness. 

THE  M0CCA8IN-PKINT. 


XII. 


Noon's  burning  eye  was  now  refulgent  o'er, 
Sprinkling  with  light  the  variant  sylvan  floor; 
The  hemlock's  myriad  particles  of  green 
In  tiny  flashes,  glinted  back  the  sheen  ; 
The  long-leaved  polished  laurels  to  the  sight 
Sent  rapid  glances  of  keen  dazzling  light; 
The  beech's  moss  was  turned  to  golden  fringe. 


244 


Frontenac. 


!i 


And  the  nirV  gray  suffused  with  emerald  tinge; 
The  strairi,'linj;  nunibi'rs  still  their  patli  pursued 
Amid  the  erowded  culunins  of  the  wfiod, 
The  deep-trod  trail  they  fullowed,  winding,  here, 
Around  some  swamp  extending  wild  and  drear, 
Bristling  with  taniaraoks  and  with  hemloeks  dead, 
And  liy  one  sea  of  laurels  overspread, 
And  seaming,  there,  some  swelling  ridge's  baek 
With  yawning  hollows  either  side  the  track. 
T'neeasing  on  the  air  arose  the  beat. 
Upon  the  forest  earth,  of  trampling  feet, 
AVith  rustle,  brittle  snap  of  twig,  and  crush 
Through  the  dry  leaves  ai.d  tangled  underbrush  : 
Shrill  chirping  voices,  sudden  .•.•l:'rring  wings, 
Told  the  i|uick  flight  of  frighted  woo(liu">d  things. 
AVliile  the  nuis(iuito,  ever  hovering  near 
With  its  tine  twanging,  teased  tlie  shrinking  ear. 
We-an-dah,  near  the  head  of  the  array, 
With  cowering  footstep  stalked  upon  hi.s  way; 
His  shrinking  figure,  and  his  drooping  crest, 
Sh<iwing  he  wished  no  eye  on  him  tt  rc-jt ; 
Sorrow  and  conscious  guilt  ujioii  his  face. 
In  furrows  sunken  deep,  had  left  their  trace : 
But  sudden  flashed  bis  dim  blank  countenance, 
Round  him  he  east  a  ijuick  and  furtive  glance; 
A  pikeman,  treading  near,  was  making  bare 
His  forehead  from  bis  iron  pot,  for  air; 
Another,  with  low-bended  baek  had  stopped 
To  lift  the  long  buff  gauntlet  he  bad  dropped; 
Another,  niakin;r  of  bis  sword  a  staff. 
Was  joining  in  a  I'ourth  one's  careless  laugh  ; 


The  Moccasin-Primt. 


245 


Slov- ,  sauntering  onward  went  a  musketeer, 

Ilis  huge  piece  slung  within  his  bandoleer; 

While  a  young  noble,  pausing  at  a  tree, 

His  gorget  was  adjusting  busily ; 

The  rest  were  hidden  in  the  trail  that  wound 

Its  crooked  way  through  thickets  grouped  around  : 

He  looked  again  on  what  his  eye  first  met. 

And  then  his  moceasin  upon  it  set. 

Turned  round  a  laurel-clump,  and,  bending  low, 

Surveyed  the  slope  with  glances  keen  and  slow ; 

Again  —  but  'twas  a  faint,  a  scarce-marked  trace. 

And  nearly  hid  below  a  dock-leaf's  face, 

A  moccasin's  light  print, —  so  faint,  so  light. 

Naught  but  an  Indian  could  have  caught  the  sight. 

Eagerly  glanced  he  further  down, —  a  brook 

Its  rushy  way  along  the  hollow  took, 

A  wide  leap's  distance  from  the  print,  but  not 

Another  foot-trace  marked  the  tangled  spot ; 

He  lifted  every  spreading  pliuit,  he  drew 

Aside  each  thicket,  cluster,  bush  in  view. 

He  lightly  scooped  the  dead  faU'n  leaves  away, 

But  nothing  more  did  his  close  search  repay; 

If  other  trace  remained,  with  such  deep  care 

And  cunning  was  it  hid,  that  in  despair 

We-an-dah,  noted  for  his  eye-sight  keen, 

Ilefraiued  his  search  and  turned  him  from  the  scene. 

Climbing  once  more  the  ridge,  the  eye  he  caught 

Of  Meile  by  passing.    "  Ha !  what  h,i..i,  (hdu  sought 

In  those  thick  laurels,  redskin  'r'    I'll  bo  bound 

Fire-water  cannot  in  those  depths  bo  found  — 

Here,  in  those  never  ending  woods !  —  but  look  ! " 


•246 


Frontenac. 


And  lifting  up  liis  buff  coat-flap.'*,  he  took 
From  his  truiik-liose  a  flask  of  blushing  hue. 
And  held  it  smiliug  to  the  Indian's  view ; 
"What,  redskin  !  dost  thou  turn  away?  wilt  not 
The  flagon  taste?  thou!  why,  We-an-dali,  what, 
What  has  got  in  thee,  man !  that  eye  of  thine 
I've  never  seen  with  such  sharp  glances  shine  I 
Thy  form  seems  loftier  too '.  thy  native  woods 
Have  gi\<?u  thee  one  of  thy  best  warrior  moods ! 
What  hius  got  in  thee,  man  !     I  tho\ight  thy  throat 
Long  as  my  pike  when  wine  was  dnwn  to  float  I  " 
Thus  as  the  gay  and  reckless  soldier  talked. 
Mute  by  his  side  We-an-dah  proudly  walked; 
His  figure,  lowly  bent  for  many  a  day, 
Seemed  towering  now.  beneath  the  wakened  sway 
Of  some  strong  fioliiig,  while  around  his  eye 
In  subtle  glances  never  ceased  to  fly. 


Xiit. 

Thus  liouri  passed  on.  until  the  sinking  suu 

Told  that  the  long  day's  march  was  nearly  done. 

They  now  another  ridge  were  crossing  o'er. 

On  either  side  deep  hiilh>ws  as  before. 

Sudden  We-an-dah's  roving  eye  bi;held 

On  a  steep  hill,  that,  scarce  a  gunshot,  swelled 

Beyond  the  hollow  on  whose  edge  lie  went. 

.\  moving  object;  keener  search  bo  sent, — 

A  snowy  feather  from  behind  a  tree 

Was  thrust,  and  then  a  dark  face  cautiously 


The  Nioiit-Watch. 


247 


Peered  forth ;  upon  the  bands  was  fixed  its  gaze, 
Seeming  with  anger  and  disdain  to  blaze; 
But,  as  lie  looked,  back  shrank  the  head,  and  there 
Again  the  pine-tree  reared  its  column  bare. 
We-an-dah  cast  round  furtive  glance  once  more : 
Distant,  short  way,  a  pikeman  strode  before, 
His  back-plate,  casque  and  pikehead  glancing  back 
Rays  of  keen  radiance  in  the  sunset's  track ; 
Another,  pausing,  was  refitting,  nigh. 
The  thick  plume  in  his  skull-cap  jerked  awry ; 
Another,  loud  protesting  he  would  melt, 
Was  loosening  the  broad  buckle  of  his  belt ; 
While  Merle,  low  humming  some  familiar  song. 
Strode  with  his  heavy  jack-boots  slow  along. 
Stamping  his  prints  upon  the  fern  and  grass, 
The  air  thus  flavoring  with  crushed  sassafras. 
None  heeded  him,  he  turned  a  thicket  near, 
And  down  the  ridge-side  urged  his  fleet  career. 


THE  NIGHT-WATCH. 


XIV. 

Night,  in  its  earliest  watch,  was  glowing  now. 
And  on  a  lofty  summit's  wooded  brow 
The  At-o-ta-ho  stood  :  the  cloudless  arch 
Glowed  with  its  stars  in  their  majestic  march. 
Here  sketching  outlines, —  strewed,  disordered  there- 
Some  qui  ';  pulsating,  others  fixed  in  glare. 
While  through  the  whole,  in  gorgeous  broad  array 
Sprang,  linked  in  snow-white  light,  the  Milky  Way, 
83 


m- 


248 


Fronvkxac. 


.\\ . 


A>  Pawn  ■■'  >!)riiiiij,' viiHv  it  ihc  lovely  -.ky. 

It  limhod.  Ill  lii-  wild  iiiiu;  -  iM;.»iii;;  i'yv. 

I^iko  liiily  ltiili-\ven-Mi!-yo'r  tiMHii,  )ii'ij;l\i 

With  liis  ttiiik  crowded  deed.",  oue  u^  •«  "f  i  ;  lit  — 

Ami)  Iiin  ricli  hoi!  i  I' Wiimjiuiii  bioadlv  bimii  (, 

^\"ilite  as  his  \twv  and  iaii;hty  thoup!  l.s  .1  ■  viu'i. 

W  i 

'ni?  otlior  l-t'iinjis  caim'.  and  sad  liis  vii'w 

l!     c.inieu  lirldw  ;  llicii'  stuml  111  gliniMK'i'iri;  hno 

i'l'i  lii'-ii.-c's  li'iits,  wliilc,  i"ai;iin'.'  keen  aii'l    \'x\. 

Watch-fires  beneath  the  wmid's  lojiped  ))nn,:li-*  were  spread. 

In  which  th  :  pike  and  niu.-kel  ruddy  f;l(i\sc  1. 

As  sIdw  athw'rt  eacli  hhi/.e  the  1  entries  sinile. 

I'reiiiKiit  liiiK.  snn>;  and  1  ircle.-s  lanuhter  iin.ko 

I'r.Mii  llic  cnvaniimient  i?i  cuininiii'.di'd  siraiii. 
While  cricket,  owl,  and  whip-piinr  will  av.ckc 

The  uinht-WDiid's  stillness  round  liiin  holdiu;'  reijiii. 
As  there  tin-  frowninir  Indian  ^'a/.cd,  lie  tiiou;.;lit 
Oi'  all  the  liited  scene  hcncaih  Iiini.  iMoujihl  ; 
Of  tt  at  striiii;;;!'  pale-liice  race  wliich,  y(!ars  at:<., 

\\\  re  Sell  CPU  Cat-a-ra-iiui's  heaving  hrea.»t, 
A"  the  (lre:i'  j{ird  with  spretidintr  wini;s  ol'  snow, 

Hearer  u'.'  (.'rielaiid  e\il    upward  jiresscd; 
i'irsi,  creeping  on  the  earth,  with  whispen-d  v  jrds 
.""n.all  ill  iiis  race'^  ear  as  chirp  ol'  birds, 
'I'lien,  rearing  hi,i;h  their  IiHUghty  iVont.s.  and  loud 
Speakiii;;  their  will,  as  speaks  the  thundci-cli 
First,  strclchinj;  treniblin;;  hands  o!   i'cel.lesi  ciasp. 

I'].\tendinf:  thc'i  their  pity-;.'raiiled  bounds, 


*".  .is 


TuE  Nxout-Watch. 


•1V.> 


rjntil  tliey  thruateiiod,  with  insatiate  grasp. 

All,  all,  yes,  all  the  rcd-niau'.s  liuntiiiy  grounds. 
And  here,  oh  burning,  burning  thought!  below 
Was  Yon-nonilc-yoh,  that  detested  (be  ! 
Here,  in  the  forest's  most  profound  retreat! 

While  of  the  lio.st  of  warriors  he  had  won 
Together,  this  proud  enemy  to  meet, 

All  but  his  true  and  brave  Ilo-nont-koh,  gone ! 
And  tfiey,  and  he,  close  hiding  in  their  fear 
As  from  the  prowling  panther  hides  the  deer. 
His  mother  too,  who.se  bent  and  weary  tread 
He  saw  near  Yon-noude-yoh,  cajitive  led; 
And  then,  those  cunning,  base  aud  treacherous  arts 
Which  in  their  net  had  trapped  his  warriors'  hearts. 
Vile  Ijcaping  I'anther!  here  be  grimly  smiled; 
Wc-;iu-dah  !  clutched  his  fingers  fierce  and  wild, 
His  tomahawk  in  veugoful,  deadly  wrath, 

Whom  ho  had  marked  throughout  the  livelong  day. 
As  close  ho  hovered  round  the  invader's  path. 

Guiding,  and  he  an  Iroquois  !  their  way  ; 
Oh  could  his  thirsty  hatchet  drink  his  gore  ! 

But  just  then  from  a  neighboring  thicket  .sprung 
A  form,  and  trembling,  cowering,  .stood  before, 

We-an-dah!  high  his  tomahawk  he  swung. 
But  still  with  spreading  hands  a.id  head  bent  low, 

His  recreant  warrior  stood  aud  trembled  there, 
The  At-o-ta-ho  stayed  the  falling  blow. 

He  could  not  strike  at  that  meek,  ofTcring  air. 
But  in  his  sternest  times  of  anger  said, 

"  Why  comes  fork-tongucd  AVe-au-dah  hero  ?  "  the  chief 
Answered,  but  lifted  not  his  humbled  head  — 


250 


Fhontenac. 


"As  the  ln»t  sun  wnn  pouring  \m  hot  shoaf 
Of  nrrows  from  iii'ul-sky,  Wo-iin-ilah  caught 
A  print  whicii  ho  the  At-o-tii-iio'n  thouglit, 
And  keeping  watch  as  nearod  the  sun  his  grave, 
Bclu'lil  tlio  At-o-tii-hoV  white  jduine  wave 
From  ilie  pine's  ambush,  while  lie  viewed  the  way 
That  Yon-non-de-yoh  took  with  his  array. 
This  foot  has  tracked,  eye  dwelt  on  l\im,  since  then, 
And  when  AW-an-dah  saw  him  leave  tiie  glen, 
lie  followed  to  yield  up  his  wretched  life 
To  his  wrcmgeJ  At-o-ta-ho's  vengeful  knife." 
•  We-an-dah  1" — lowlier  bent  the  Indim's  head  — 

"  The  Chieftain  and  the  Warrior!  ho  whose  whoop 
Had  rung  so  often  on  the  war-path  red, 

Sullered  his  crouching  broken  .soul  to  stoop. 
The  burniug  fire-water's  s'ave  to  be ; 
The  crawling  serpent  biftier  far  than  he; 
That  made  him  coward,  woman,  when  his  word 
Of  warning  fear  was  in  thy  council  heard ; 
We-an-dali  meant  nut  treachery  I   no!  he  felt 
His  prostrate  soul  within  his  bosom  melt 
With  fright  at  Yon-non-de-yoh's  numbers !  ho 
Spoke  as  he  felt — he  wished  the  braves  to  flee, 
To  save  them  from  the  lifted  arm  whose  blow 
He  thought  would  lay  the  Le.iguo  for  ever  low ; 
IJut  when  they  fought  ;iniong  themselves,  in  dread 
Some  knife  might  reach  his  (juailing  lieart,  ho  fled; 
His  fiery  thirst  its  reigii  claimed  also  o'er, 
And  Yon-iKJn-de-yiili  thus  he  joined  once  more. 
'•  15ut,"  here  he  lilted  up  his  frowning  brow, 
"  We-an-dah's  all  Ho-de-uo-souue  now, 


The  Night  Watcu.  261 

Ilis  warrior  lienrt  onco  more  h.  .  como  to  him ; 
His  Llinded  eyosight  is  no  longer  dim ; 
Great  At-o-ta-ho,  listen  then!  again 
Will  the  next  sun  light  Yon-non-de-yuh's  train, 
Tlireading  'jur  peopleV  forests  in  their  pride, 
We-an-dah  still  their  seeming  friend  and  guide. 
Listen  !  as  shuts  that  sun  ouco  more  his  eye, 

Tlie  At-o-ta-ho  with  his  faithful  band 
In  the  Wolf's  throat  like  lurking  snakes  will  lie, 

Ilafehet,  fuscc,  and  knifo  in  every  handj 
And  when  We-an-dah,  Yon-non-de-yoh  there 
Conduets,  the  At-o-ta-ho's  whoop  in  air 
Will  burst  and  pierce  his  ears  with  fiercest  wrath, 
While  glad  We-an-dah  by  another  path 
Than  the  up-cavern's  found  one  day  by  him. 
Chasing  a  fleeing  wolf,  will  with  swift  limb 
Leave  Yon-non-de-yoh  trapped,  and  seale  the  height 
To  join  his  valiant  b -others  in  the  fight !  " 
Within  the  thicket  i  iiee  again  he  sprung. 
As  the  last  words  fell  rapid  frnni  his  tongue ; 
And  slowly  down  the  hiH'.-  ■  ng  side 

The  Ai-u-ta-ho  bent  his  thoa^Liful  stride, 
And  plunged  within  the  tangled  glen  beneath. 
Where  the  night's  silence  brooded,  hushed  as  death; 
But,  as  if  wakened  by  his  gliding  tread, 
From  some  black  bush  would  rise  a  freijuent  head, 
Until  lie  reached  a  grape  vine's  arbor  vast, 
And  there,  as  if  for  sleep,  liis  form  ho  cast. 


CANTO  NINTH. 


THE  HATTLE 
THE  TOUTUUE, 
THE  DEFIANCE 


TIUC  DEATH 
KUONTENAC 
MASS  FOIJ  THE  DEAD 


CANTO  NINTII. 


TIIK  UATTLK. 


UK  Hiinsot  wftH  poiiriiij;  itH  yellow  flood 
lu  a  loiij;  deep  (^Imi  of  tlio  boimdk'SM  wood, 
A  precipico  Bought  on  oiio  side  tlio  nky, 

Tho  wall  oil  tho  other  iinwo  loss  Htcop 
With  grout  roekn  broken,  iiiid  ledges  high, 

Witli  tiiU  trees  clustered  and  thickctH  deep ; 
Tho  dark  Wolfs  throat,  and  .slept  it  Mtill, 
Naught  heard  but  tho  tap  of  tho  woodpecker's  bill, 
And  naught  iu  tho  narrow  vista  seen 
But  birds  iu  and  out  of  their  dwellings  green, 


n. 

Now  slow  from  a  bush  on  tho  sloping  side 
Was  thrust  a  savage's  pluuiaged  head; 
Along  the  passage  his  eye  he  sped. 
And  "  Roll  of  Thundur  !"  ho  quiekly  cried. 
Another  grim  Indian  arose  from  his  lair, 
And  instantly  then  were  uplifted  in  air, 
From  jutting  rock  and  from  hollow  trunk, 
From  tho  head  of  the  hemlock  downward  sunk, 
3-i 


I  i 


256  Frontknac. 

From  bush  ofceJar  and  iiKissy  iiiouiiJ, 
Scalj)-li)c'k.s  bristling  in  siMirus  around; 
The  next  all  vanished,  rock,  bush,  and  tree, 
Resuming  once  more  their    r  .i(|uility. 

in. 

Nest  snapjiinj;  of  twig  and  careless  sonfr, 
And  boating  of  stops  from  a  trauiiiling  throng, 
Waving  of  foathor  and  sliiiiing  ol'  brand, 
Front'Miac  with  his  approaching  band. 

rv. 

Through  tho  hollow  tlioy  crowding  tread, 
Wliich  seems  a  torrent's  abanddnod  bod, 
With  rock  and  gravel  to  liiriu  its  floor. 
And  spotted  with  pools  and  thickct.s  o'er. 
Birds  from  the  bushes  huid  chirping  dart. 
Rabbit  and  S((uirrcl  affrighted  start; 
Save  these,  deep  silence  and  solitude 
Seem  o'er  the  gloomy  scone  to  brood. 
Still  in  they  tre.ad,  till  a  rooky  wall 
Blocks  up  the  passage  with  sudden  fall.    • 

V. 

At  once  the  air  is  fillod  with  cries 
That  from  the  broken  steep  ari.sc, 
I'ealing  and  echoing  to  the  skies. 

While  on  the  startled  crowd. 
From  r<ick,  and  tree,  and  bush,  and  mound. 
Comes  one  (juick  simultaneous  sound; 


The  Battle. 


257 


Though  not  an  enemy  is  found  ; 

All  is  confusion  loud ! 
Down  sinks  the  dying  musketeer, 
The  pikcmaii  stands  aghast  with  fear, 
The  Indian  seeks  the  thicket  near, 
But  keen  in  every  deafened  ear 

The  warwhoops  rise  once  more ; 
Again  rock,  tree,  and  thicket  gleam, 
Again  the  shots  upon  them  stream. 

Again  forms  drop  in  gore ; 
Frontenac's  voice  calls  out  in  vain, 
"  Stand  to  your  arms !  " — the  wildercd  train 
Hear  the  stern  warwhoops  ring  again, 
And  feel  once  more  the  leaden  rain, 

Fall  back,  sway  to  and  fro. 
AH  gaze  around,  but  naught  they  see 
Hut  rock,  and  bush,  and  bank,  and  tree. 
Whence  shoots  the  flame  of  the  fusee. 
And  deadly  balls  shower  fearfully; 

No  mark  for  aim  or  blow, 
Save  now  and  then  a  plumaged  head, 
A  tawny  arm,  a  legging  red, 
A  muzzle  bent,  an  eye  of  dread. 
An  instant  seen,  an  instant  fled. 

Ere  gun  or  pike  can  bear. 
Although  six  hundred  gallant  men 
Were  gathered  in  that  narrow  glen. 

All  yielilod  to  despair; 
V(!teraus  of  many  a  bloody  field. 
Whose  creed,  to  mortal  foe  than  yield 

Was  with  stern  pride  to  die ; 


1  ! 
I  I' 


268  Frontenac. 

And  rcdmen,  burning  to  oppose 
Their  fierce  hereditary  f'oos, 
With  wild  and  craven  torror  shook, 
And  cast  round  many  an  anxious  look 

Where,  where  to  hide  or  fly; 
Pcstruction  seemed  to  hover  round, 
Though  such  their  numbers,  scarce  was  found 

Koom  for  the  fall'n  to  lie. 


/ 


vr. 
The  Otter,  with  his  eager  hand 
On  his  fusee,  defying  stand 
IIiul  taken,  where  in  crowded  band 

Had  pau.'ied  his  tawny  host. 
All  cowering,  us  amongst  them  camo 
Death  borne  upon  the  frecjuent  flame. 

Forgotten  song  and  boast. 
When,  lo  !  a  thicket,  clustering  dense 
Upon  the  side,  was  scattered  thence. 
Planted  by  mocking  art,  and  there. 

Ah,  treachery  !  ah,  treachery  ! 
Was  the  fell  Raven,  pointiiig  where 

A  slanting  cavern  opened  free 
A  passiige  up  the  rugged  steep 
Then  leading  way  with  struggling  leap  ; 
.Safe  from  the  death  all  round  that  fell. 
The  Otter  entered  with  a  yell, 
And  echoing  it  with  piercing  swell 
Kach  redman  leaves  the  fatal  dell. 


The  Battle. 


259 


/ 


Following  The  Raven  up  they  went, 
The  cavern's  roof  above  them  bent, 
Till  suddenly  it  ceased,  and  round 
Ledges  and  trees  were  only  found ; 
But  still  The  Raven  for  their  guide, 
They  turned  their  bosoms  to  the  side. 
Now  to  the  pine's  great  roots  tliey  clung. 
Now  to  the  elm's  drooped  branches  hung, 
Now  by  the  homlook  up  they  swung. 
And  now  from  rock  to  rock  they  sprung. 

Till  all  firm  footing  made ; 
Then  each  one  sought  his  bush  and  tree. 
And  sent  the  deadly  bullet  free 
In  turn  upon  the  enemy, 

Whose  coverts  were  betrayed. 
Then  shrub  and  gras.s  shot  startled  look, 
Then  rose  plumed  heads  from  many  a  nook, 
Trees  with  descending  figures  shook, 
Wild  warriors  crouching  liiirs  forsook. 

And  sought  each  open  space; 
Then  closed  the  foes  in  desperate  strife. 
With  hatchet,  clubbed  fusee  and  knife. 

Fierce  struggling  face  to  face. 


VII. 

From  the  impending  death  relieved, 
The  soldiers  new-born  hope  received, 
And,  shaming  of  their  late  despair, 
With  bracing  strength  they  upwards  bear. 
Climbing  the  cavern  high ; 


260 


Frontenac. 


The  frny  above  fills  cyo  niid  ear. 

Now  far — now  nigh  —  now  there  —  now  here 

Shot,  clash  and  groan  and  cry. 
Between  the  trees  quick  figures  dash, 
Echo  fusees  and  liatcli.cts  flash, 

Blood  pattering,  falls  from  o'er; 
The  dead  and  dying  now  and  then 
Boll  past  them  downward  to  the  glen, 

Marking  their  path  with  gore. 
Still  up  they  dinilied.  and  now  their  sight 
Embraced  in  widening  scope  the  fight. 
Here  on  the  ground  writhed,  snake-liko,  foes  ; 
There  face  to  face,  exchanged  they  blows ; 
With  aimed  fusee,  here,  rroucliing  deep, 
There,  bounding  on  with  hatcbct's  sweep; 
One  shiiut  for  France,  the  air  that  rent. 
The  flushed  and  eager  stildiers  sent. 
And  in  the  furious  combat  blent. 
O'crmafchcd  in  numbers  now,  and  caught 
In  their  own  ambush,  wildly  fought 
The  brave  IIo-iKifit-knb,  but  for  naught; 

Hemmed  in  on  every  hand, 
Each  desperate  effivrt  only  brought 

Thicker  the  knife  and  brand. 


VIII. 


.\t  the  first  burst  nf  the  attack. 
From  his  spurned  diair  had  Frontenac 
Sprung  to  his  feet,  and  round,  on  high, 
Had  swept  his  fierce  uiii|uailiug  eye. 


The  Battle. 


261 


And  sent  his  loud  and  stern  command 
Among  his  rocking,  jostling  band, 
To  brave  the  worst,  unflinching  stand. 
As  still  within  the  glen  he  stood, 

lie  saw,  above,  a  swaying  throng, 

I'assing  a  broad-spread  ledge  along. 
Bare  from  the  usual  cloak  oF  wood. 
Where  pikes  and  blades  and  hatchets  rose. 
Darted  and  fell,  one  storm  of  blows ; 
That  instant  broke  the  clustered  strife. 

And  a  young  warrior  met  his  sight, 
Hewing  Ilia  way  through  with  hatchet  and  knife. 

Pikemon  and  Indians  surrounding  his  flight; 
Another  savage  beside  him  dung. 
And  fiercely  his  knife  too  and  tomahawk  swung ; 
Foe  after  foe  about  them  i'ell, 

]Uit  jiike  and  hatchet  still  barred  their  path. 
The  young  brave's  struggles  were  terrible, 

While  b.attled  tlie  other  with  dogged  wrath; 
The  face  of  that  other  met  Frontcnac's  eye. 
He  ftarted,  and  pointing  hi;i  sword  with  cry, 
'•  Wo-an-dah  !  base  wretch  I  slay  the  trcaohcro'.s  boii-.d  I" 
Sprang  toward  the  cavern  with  feeble  bound. 
But  just  then  came  flashing  a  tomahawk's  blow, 
On  the  he.td  iif  We-an-dah  whodinppid  below, 
While  broke  the  ymng  brave  with  a  oiighty  bound 
From  the  cluster  of  foes  that  were  pressing  him  round. 
From  thicket  to  thicket,  from  lodge  to  ledge, 

Now  seen  and  now  lost,  dashed  the  warrior  free, 
Leaping  now  from  some  dizzy  edge, 

Swinging  now  by  some  hanging  tree  ; 


262 


FnONTEXAC, 


Bullets  cut  brniiches  beside  his  head. 

Ilatchcts  wliirlod  piist  him,  but  still  ho  fled; 

Ai  length  ihroujih  the  eaveni  that  ojieiied  at  hand 

Knierffod  the  tierce  cavaji,'0  by  Fnmtenae's  side ; 
The  veloraii  flashed  at  his  bosom  his  brand, 

IJut  on,  without  olicck,  went  the  warrior's  t-tride : 
Forward  thro\ii;h  the  hollow's  gloom, 
Like  a  white  bird  skims  hi.s  plume, — 
IJut  the  foremost  of  those  that  came, 
After  him  bounded  The  Uaven'.s  frame; 

Onward,  onwn"d  flirough  the  dell 
Fleet  the  At-o-ta-ho  went, 
But  now  The  Kaven'N  fusee  was  bent, 
The  bullet  in  Ko-lah's  revenge  was  Ft>ut, 

And,  amidst  the  father's  triumjih,  .it  jell, 

The  Dawn  of  ^lorning  headlong  fell. 


THE  TORTURK. 


IX. 

Night  was  around,  the  moon  serene 

Shed  o'er  all  objects  her  beaiitiful  sheen; 

On  the  tents,  tiiruugh  the  boughs  of  the  forest  she  beamed; 

On  the  weapons  up-piled,  and  round  scattered,  she  gleamed; 

In  a  small  lu.llow.  a  pillared  blaze 

Blotted  the  silver  witli  ruddy  glaze  ; 

Scowling  Hurons  a  stake  stood  round, 

Where,  branches  piled  round  him,  We-an-dah  was  bound. 


The  Torture. 


263 


X. 

Hundreds  wore  crowded  to  view  the  sight, 
The  buff-eoftt  and  corselet  were  bathed  in  light 
Uorne  by  the  pikemen  and  musketeer , 
And  in  the  radiance  ruddy  and  clear, 
The  face  of  the  wild  Adirondack  was  keen 
As  he  waited  impatient  the  torture-scene ; 
While  loftily  in  his  chair  placed  high, 
Frontonac  sat  with  a  gleaming  cc. 

XI. 

Shouting  and  leaping  the  Hurons  went. 
Wildly  and  fiercely  their  limbs  they  bent; 
Ah  each  one  passed  ho  thrust  his  knife 

Deep  in  t!ie  stern  We-an-dah's  flesh. 
Who,  though  all  over  were  wounds  from  the  strife. 

Though  at  «ach  thrusting  burst  out  afresh 
In  torrents  the  smoking  and  purple  gore. 
Unflinching,  unshrinking,  the  torture  bore. 
As  peeled  from  his  body  the  skin  in  strips 
The  death-song  rose  to  his  scornful  lips. 
Rose  to  his  lips,  while  his  haughty  eyes 
Sought  the  pure  depths  of  the  rosy  skies. 


XII. 

At  length  from  the  stamping  circle  bounded 
The  Otter,  head  of  the  s.ivage  band. 

Close  to  Wo-an-dah  ;  his  w'uoop  resounded 
As  he  kiudlcd  the  pile  with  a  fiery  brand. 
35 


2ti4 


Fkontenac. 


Hut  iifl  eihnt  a  red  strcnk  the  doomed  chiet'tain  arouad, 

Hi'  K'niu'd  willi  II  niifrhty  ('(iDviilsivc  iMiuiid, 

Till'  !4lirivi'llt'd  tlion),'(i  piirtod  —  swift  torwiird  In,"  spruug, 

I'"rom  the  belt  of  The  Otter  the  hatchet  ho  tore, 
()rn'  iiioliieiit  in  air  tlio  ki'i-n  weapon  he  Hwunf,', 

And  hondloni;  the  Huron  tell  dead  in  hiii  gore. 
Then,  with  a  ntaggerinj;  faltering  force 
He  I'a-f  the  red  halolu't  ;  in  waveriiifr  eourwe 
It  circled  tiy  Krontciiac's  head  so  near. 
That  he  Hpruug  from  his  cliair  with  a  look  of  fear, 
Then  jilniiL'inf.'  down,  with  his  arms  out.-'jjread, 
I'roue  on  his  face  lay  We-au-daii  dead. 


THE  DKl-IANCK. 


!    4 


Mil, 

A^ain  rose  the  morn  I     From  the  pine  lop  she  lient 

Her  rid)  ir^'lden  glory  on  Fronteuae'.s  tent  ; 

The  (iritEu«  were  droopin;:  the  canvas  o'er, 

Twi)  (pf  the  guard.-^men  were  striding  Ijcfore  : 

Within  sat  Fronteuae;  <in  each  hand 

His  leaders,  iirrayed  with  plume,  mantle,  and  brand. 

The  Haven,  vile  traitor  I  was  cowei'iig  nigh. 

With  gnititit'd  hate  in  his  sullen  eye. 

Full  in  Froutenae's  flanhing  view 

Dawn  of  Morning,  tlio  haple.sH  stood. 
A  bandage  sliowing  in  ruddy  hue. 

Where  the  fell  bullet  had  drauk  bt>  blood. 


■H' 


The  Defiance. 


265 


Strove  hv  to  rise  to  liis  fullest  lioinht, 

Yet  over  his  slender  iiiul  f^nicefiil  framo, 
Swayi'if.'  it  with  ii  fearful  iiiii,'lit, 

Bnioiiinj^s  and  totteriiij,'s  freijuent  came. 
"  Wnlfl"  burst  Fronteiiac  out  at  length, 
"  Cauj^lit  at  last  in  thy  den  of  strength  ! 
Quaver  thy  fierce,  wild  death  song  now  ! 
And  yet" — u  tenderness  touched  his  brow, 
A  softness  grew  in  his  gleaming  eye, 
"  I  know  not,  but  scarce  would  I  liavo  thee  die ! 
Answer  I     Wliy  didst  thou  my  yo\iiig  men  slay  ?  — 
Why  didst  thou  k,>ep  on  lliy  vengeful  way. 
With  hatclut  and  torcli,  wlien  I  wished  my  hand 
Knit  with  thito  own  iu  friendship's  band?" 


XIV. 

The  At  o-ta-ho  manned  his  frauio 

Am',  said,  wliile  glowed  his  eye  with  flame, 

"  From  Yon-non-do-yoh's  lodge  of  pride. 

The  Cat-a-ra-nui  swil\  beside. 

To  where  llu'  birds  i'orovcr  sing. 

And  flowers  their  sweets  unceasing  fling, 

The  Onguo  llonwee  sway  the  knifo 

Won  by  long  years  of  bloody  strife; 

The  streams  our  swift  ka-we-yahs  skim. 

Our  war-whoops  wake  the  forests  dim, 

The  vales  and  mountains  hold  our  game; 

And  should  the  tribes  lift  hatchet  red. 
Their  lodges  melt  in  midnight  flume, 

Ileaped  are  their  war-paths  with  their  dead. 


i 


200  '  FUOXTENAC. 

Yet  Yon-noM-dc-yoh  h>  tlio  »ky 
IjiHt*  hiH  ])r(iu(l  Trout,  ciikIn  round  IiIh  oyo, 
Ami  .■iiiV''.  'Tlicso  huiitiii;i-jrroiiii(ln  lire  miuo  ! 
Ai>cl  lii<ls  his  dt'iidly  ll^litiiiiigH  Kliii>c; 
IlunrH  luH  Htoiiu  liutH  witliiii  uur  wuodH, 
Solids  his  wiii;.'t'd  iiirofiiics  o'er  our  floodH, 
And  thrcatt'UH  in  his  huriiini;  wrath 
To  swoop  o'on  Oorh'iir  t'roui  his  imtli. 
Pot's  not  tho  jHiuthcr  i;uurd  Ills  Ji'u '!" 

Nay,  docs  not  v\'n  thi'  timid  dciT 

Turn  wlien  the  hunter  couie.s  too  nonr? 
And  shall  not  Pawn  ol' Murninj;.  then. 
With  hi.'.  hi'Sl  liliHid  jiroteet  tlio  elirtll 
Owned  hy  his  people,  whence  their  birth  ? 
And  did  not  Von-non-de-yoh  spreiid 

In  l>a\vn  of  >loriiin^''s  path  a  huaro, 
K'en  while  the  eiiluinet  he  hore  ? 

Sa-ha-wee  too  I'  " — a  look  ol'earo 
Dwelt  transient  on  his  features  red, 

Then  (;row  they  cnlm  and  high  onco  more. 
"And  has  not  Yon-nou-de-ytdi  oomc. 

With  all  his  warriors  in  array, 
To  Mawn  of  .\IorninL.''s  i'orest-honie, 

His  liuts  to  burn,  his  peopK*  slay? 
Where  are  liis  brave  Ifo-nont-koh  I  those, 

Who  round  their  At-o-tu-ho  stood 
When  I'riends  ]iroved  false,  and  threatened  foes; 

Low  lie  they  in  thi'ir  blood. 
And  Holl  of  Thunder  '.  of  the  band 

The  loftiest  I  in  the  Wolf's  throat  too 


^(V: 


The  Death.  2G7 

lie  lies;  ond  gone  Wc-iiii  ilah,  who, 

Mlilit  tho  Hcorucd  Huron  do^^s  upflow, 
To  JIii!i-woii-no-yo'H  8pirit-luiid. 
Butyi't,  though  i'ou-uoii-do-yoh'!i  kuifo 
Points  at  tho  Ato-ta-ho'H  life, 
rhouj,di  Hiih-wcu-iui-yoh'H  sinllcH  depart, 

Tliuugli  sturnis  upon  liis  head  have  burst, 
Hp  Dawn  of  Morning  lifts  his  heart, 

And  jiroudaiid  lofty  as  when  first 
lie  braved  tho  white  man's  power  and  art, 

Dares  You-nou-du-yoh  do  his  worst !  " 

XV. 

"  Ila  1  spcak'st  thou  words  like  these  to  me  ? " 
Frontonac  thundered.     "  Dar'wt  thou,  slave  1 

Ho,  Haven  !  bear  him  to  tho  stake  ! 
We'll  see  if  there  he'll  tower  m  brave  — 

If  flame  will  not  his  spirit  break. 
Hosto  !  let  us  from  liis  prato  bo  free ! " 


THE  DEATH. 


XVI. 


In  a  grcon  opening  by  Froutenac's  tent, 
Circling  a  stake,  in  their  varied  mien. 

Again  was  the  throng  of  the  army  blent, 
Seemingly  waiting  a  eoniing  scene. 


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268 


Fhontenao. 


Suddenly  abrill  whoopa  rent  the  sky, 

And  mid  an  advancing  Indian  host, 
The  At-o-ta-ho  met  each  eye, 

Treading  in  majesty  towards  the  post. 
Beside  him  The  Raven,  fierce  frowning,  came 
With  a  pine-torch  flaring  in  smoky  flame ; 
Louder  and  louder  the  whoops  pealed  out, 
Wildly  flashed  hatchets  and  knives  about, 
But  calmly  his  way  the  young  warrior  took. 
Forward  he  gazed  with  a  steadfast  look. 
That  look  from  all  traces  of  passion  exempt, 
Save  that  of  freezing  and  lofty  contempt, 
Trampling  beneath  e'en  the  weakness  and  pain, 
So  late  before  Frontcnac  claiming  their  reign. 


XVII. 

Now  to  the  stake  is  bound  his  waist. 

Leaves  and  branches  an;  round  him  placed ; 

Then  as  ceaaes  the  whooping  din, 

The  Raven's  revilings  and  taunts  begin. 

"  Kooli !  dog  and  coward  !  he  fears  to  die ! 

He  cannot  look  in  a  warrior's  eye  ! 

"  Kooh  1  trembling  deer !  when  he  comes  to  his  pain, 

His  moans  will  echo,  tears  fall  like  rain  ! 

That  the  great  At-o-ta-ho !  shame  ! 

I  see  but  a  coward  who  fears  the  flame  I 

That  Pawn  of  Morning  proud  and  high  ! 

I  see  but  a  coward  who  fears  to  die ! " 


//■ 


The  Death. 


269 


XVIII. 

Down  in  disdain  the  young  warrior  gazed, 

At  first  on  The  Raven ;  his  brow  then  he  raised, 

As  if  lifting  his  soul  o'er  the  jeer  and  the  taunt. 

And  from  the  bright  hunting-grounds  waiting  him,  he 
Was  scenting  the  feast  of  the  strawberry, 
And  forth  rushed  his  death-song  in  rapturous  chaunt ; 
Ringing  more  loud,  as  his  foe  more  fierce 
Hurled  his  scorn,  till  The  Raven  pressed 
Close  to  his  victim,  to  tear  from  his  breast 
The  close  white  robe,  that  his  knife  might  pierce 
The  naked  flesh  e'er  he  kindled  the  fire, 
Where  the  proud  At-o-ta-ho  was  doomed  to  expire. 


XIX. 

Forward  across  his  tent  and  back. 
With  hurried  stride  went  Frontenac. 
Deepest  determination  now 
Was  seated  on  his  frowning  brow; 
Doubt  wavered  then  within  his  eye  — 
"  So  young,  so  gallant !  thus  to  die  I 
And  yet !" — his  face  again  grew  stern, 
Until  it  worked  with  passion's  strife  — 
"  Did  not  his  hatchet  seek  my  life  ? 
Did  it  not  strike  down  young  Lavergne? 
And" — here  his  wrinkled  brow  was  fraught 
With  weblike  lines  of  ciafty  ihought — 
"  Daring  and  wise !  he'?  formed  to  lead 


270 


Fbontenac. 


The  Iroquois  to  greatest  deed ; 
Escaping  now,  he'll  tread  some  hour 
Upon  my  neck  to  loftiest  power. 
He  dies ! " — Just  then  a  figure  dashed 

Within  the  tent,  "  Sa-ha-weo ! " — wild 
Her  starting  oycballs  on  him  flashed. 

•"  Fly !  save  her!  haste  I  my  child  1  our  child ! 
0-nah-tah,  hoar'st  thou. !  ours  1  she  dies ! " — 

"  Who,  who,  Sa-ha-wee  I"— 

"She!  Lucille!  — 
The  At-o-ta-ho !  "  Shrill  her  cries 

On  his  bewildered  senses  peal. 
"  Lucille !  the  At-o-ta-ho !  quick, 

Explain  —  quick,  woman ! "  — 

From  her  tongue 

The  rapid  words  in  torrents  sprung. 
Although  with  anguish  hoarso  and  thick. 

Whilst  at  his  feet  her  form  she  flung ; 
"  When  Ku-an  —  At-o-ta-ho  —  fell. 
Had  not  Ta-yo-nee  died  as  well, 
He  would  the  dignity  have  worn 

By  our  law's  course,  and  next,  my  child, 
Had  she  —  thou  hear'st — a  son  been  born; 

A  thought  flashed  o'er  mo  quick  and  wild ! 
When  came  Ta-yo-nee  with  her,  night 

Wrapped  all,  none  saw,  her  life  knew  none. 
And  at  first  tidings  of  the  death 
Of  him  and  Ku-an,  with  loud  breath 
From  the  Flame-Temple's  sacred  height, 
As  Priestess,  armed  thus  in  my  might. 

Her  life  I  told  but  as  a  son. 


// 


The  Death.  271 

All  their  young  At-o-ta-ho  hailed, 

The  Union  Feast  approved  the  claim, 
And  while  his  boyish  years  prevailed. 

Bade  Shining  Hatchet  boar  the  name; 
Still  stand'st  thou  here  to  see  her  die ! 
Fly!  on  my  knees  I  ask  it  I  fly!" — 
"  Woman  I  thou  told'st  me  she  was  dead ! " — 
"  I  did !  my  secret  still  to  keep  !  "— 
Bewilderment,  amazement  deep. 
Yet  Frontonao's  pale  visage  spread. 
Knows  she,  Sa-ha-wee,  I'm  her  sire?" 
"  No!  like  the  league  she  only  knew 
Her  father  in  the  paleface  brave, 

In  his  false  tale  Ta-yo-nee  slew 

Haste,  haste,  they'll  kindle  soon  the  fire; 
Will  not  his  child  a  father  save  ? 
Fly,  fly,  0-nah-tah!  fly!"— 

A  shout 
Broke  just  then  from  the  crowd  without  — 
A  shout  of  wonder  wild  —  he  sprung, 
The  tent's  front  folds  he  open  flung, 
There,  Heavenly  Powers !  St.  Francis!  there! 
There,  with  a  woman's  breast  made  bare 
By  the  recoiled  fierce  Ritven's  hands. 
The  mighty  At-o-ta-ho  stands, 
Stands  with  a  shrinking  drooping  frame. 
As  if  crushed  down  with  deepest  shame ; 
But  as  looked  Frontenao,  like  thought 

Lucille  leaned  forward,  stretched  her  arm, 
The  torch  light  from  The  Raven  caught 
86 


S72 


Frontbnac. 


Arid  fired  the  pile ;  in  mad  alarm 
Forward  the  father  leaped  with  cry 
Of  "  Phick  him  thence ! "  yelled  shrill  and  high, 
"  Ho !  Pluck  him  thence !"  his  hair  streams  out, 
"  His  arms  he  stretches, —  but  the  shout 
None  of  the  crowd  wild-rocking  hears; 

All  is  confusion  clamorous  there. 

Eyes  forward  fixed,  tongues  ronding  air, 
The  fires  dread  crackling  fills  his  ears, 
And  on  he  struggles,  "pluck  him  thence !" 

None  heed,  obey  none,  still  he  calls. 
Till  darkness  sweeps  o'er  every  sense, 

And,  fainting,  mid  the  throng  he  falls. 
A  form  springs  past  with  frantic  force. 
Through  the  dense  crowd  it  cleavcs'its  course. 
"  The  Priestess !  "  on  —  down  gleams  her  knife. 
The  Ravou  yields  his  groaning  life ; 
Into  the  fire  she  dashes  now, 

And,  nerved  with  all  her  mad  despair. 
One  flashing  wreath  around  her  brow, 

Around  her  form  one  blazing  glare, 
She  breaks  from  out  the  scattered  flame. 
And  forth  she  drags  a  blackened  frame 
Which,  staggering  wildly  to  itii  knee. 

An  arm  throws  proudly  to  the  skies. 
Sounds  a  low  war-whoop  brokenly. 

Then  drops  and,  struggling  faintly,  dies. 
Turned  into  stone,  with  frenzied  gaze. 
The  talons  of  the  ravenous  blaze 
Keen  in  her  flesh,  the  Priestess  kneels 


,/ 


rilONTENAC. 

Beside  her  child,  a  shriek  then  peals, 
A  shriek  of  agony,  so  shrill, 
It  made  the  hearts  all  round  her  thrill. 
Then  swift  as  light,  her  knife  she  sheathed 

Within  her  breast,  her  blood  gushed  red, 
And  as  "  I  come,  Lucille ! "  she  breathed, 

She  fell  across  her  daughter,  dead. 


278 


FRONTENAC. 


•  • 


XX. 

Years,  alas  I  how  fast  they  fly  1 
April's  clouds  along  the  sky ! 
Bubbles  on  the  gliding  stream  ! 
Dyes  that  in  the  rainbow  gleam ! 
Leaves  that  autumn's  tempests  sever  1 
Thus  they  fly,  and  fly  for  ever  1 


XXI. 

Five  rapid  years  have  passed  away. 

And  on  Quebec's  embattled  height 
The  sunset  sleeps  with  mellow  ray. 

Making  the  mountain  soft  and  bright. 
Rich  rose  is  on  Cape  Diamond's  head, 
Glints,  here  and  there,  the  river's  bed. 
While  to  the  voyageur's  rude  eye. 
Paddling  along  his  birch  canoe. 


S74 


Frontenac. 


A  streak  of  silver,  curving  high 

Ttin  gold  eDamelled  foliage  through, 
Tolls  the  tall  Moutmorenoi's  leap 
From  its  sunk  valley  down  the  steep. 


XXII. 

The  wide  Place  d'Armcs  in  shade  was  caat. 

And  on  it  was  a  concourse  vast. 

Bateaumau,  hunter,  courier,  scout, 

Noble  and  monk,  were  grouped  about, 

Whispering  and  pale  as  if  in  fear 

That  some  calamity  was  near. 

"  lie's  dying.  Merle  I "  with  sorrowing  air 

The  young  Carignan  Pierre  said  low, 
"  How  know'st  thou  ?  " 

"The  old  guard  Allaire 

Told  me  a  brief  half-hour  ago  I " 
"  Has  he  not  seemed  to  waste  away, 
Since  the  strange  dreadful  scene  that  day 
Down  in  the  On-on-dah-gah  woods  ?  " 
"  Yes !  all  through  those  grim  solitudes 
Haggard  his  visage  was  and  wild, 
And  since  that  hour  he's  never  smiled. 
Well,  mainly  he's  been  just  and  good, 
Though  fierce  and  hasty  in  his  mood ; 
The  Holy  Virgin  waft  his  soul 
Up  to  ita  pure  and  happy  goal ! " 
"  Hark ! "  just  then  came  a  deep  stern  swell 

Along  the  air,  a  heavy  clang : 
It  yiaa  the  castle's  giant  bell. 


*  \ 


\\ 


Mass  for  the  Dead. 

And  loud,  slow,  startling  tolls  it  rang. 
Glang,  clang  again  —  clang,  clang  again  — 
It  seemed  to  strike  to  every  brain, 
The  low  vibrating  hum  between 
Quivering  along  the  awe-struck  scene. 
Stirred  by  one  impulse  stood  the  crowd 
With  brow  uncovered,  shoulders  bowed; 
They  knew  the  tale  that  solemn  bell, 
The  sorrowing  tale  'twas  swung  to  tell ; 
Quebec  rang  out  in  every  street, 
Cape  Diamond  back  the  volume  beat, 
The  walls  spoke  forth  in  deep  rebound, 
The  river's  breast  returned  the  sound; 
It  needed  not  that  gray  Allaire, 

With  trembling  voice  and  bended  head, 
Should  from  the  sally-port  declare 

That  noble  Frontenao  was  dead. 


275 


MASS  FOR  THE  DEAD. 

xxni. 
Sunset  again  o'er  Quebec 

Spread  like  a  gorgeous  pall ; 
Again  does  its  rich  glowing  loveliness  deck 

Kiver,  and  castle,  and  wall. 
Follows  the  twilight  haze, 

And  now  the  star-gemmed  night; 


I  :!' 


276 


FnONTBNAC. 


And  outbuntA  the  Rccnilotii'  church  in  a  blaxo 

Of  glittoring  Hpangling  light. 
Crowds  in  tho  Rpacioiiti  pile 

Are  thronging  the  niiiloa  and  nave, 
With  soldiers  froui  altnr  to  porch,  in  file, 

All  niotionloM,  mute,  and  grave. 
Censers  arc  nwinging  around, 

Waz-lighto  are  shedding  their  glare, 
And,  rolling  mnjcstio  its  volume  of  sound. 

The  organ  oppresses  the  air. 
Tho  saint  within  its  nioho, 

Pillar,  and  picture,  and  cross, 
And  tho  roof  in  its  soaring  nod  stately  pitch 

Are  gleaming  in  golden  gloss. 
The  chorister's  sorrowing  strain 

Sounds  shrill  as  tho  winter  breeze. 
Then  low  nnd  soothing,  as  when  complain 

Sod  airs  in  the  summer  trees, 
Tho  tapcr-Hturred  altar  before, 

Deep  ninutled  in  mourning  black, 
With  sabre  and  plume  on  the  pall  spread  o'er. 

Is  the  coflin  of  Frontonac. 
Around  it  the  nobles  are  bowed, 

And  near  are  the  guards  in  their  grief, 
While  the  sweet-breathing  iuccnso  is  wreathing  its  cloud 

Over  the  motionless  chief. 
But  the  organ  and  singer  have  cooflcd, 

liCuviug  a  void  in  air. 
And  the  long-drawn  chaunt  of  the  blazon'd  priest 

Rises  in  suppliance  there. 


u. 


Prontbnao.  277 

Again  the  deep  organ  Nhakos 

Tho  walk  with  its  mighty  tone, 
And  through  it  again  tho  Bweet  melody  breaks 

Like  a  sorrowful  spirit's  moan. 
A  sudden  silence  now; 

Each  knee  has  sought  the  floor ; 
Tho  priest  breathes  his  blessings  with  upturn'd  brow, 

And  the  requiem  is  o'er. 


INO. 


I 


NOTES. 


87 


NOTES. 


CANTO  FIRST. 

8TAMZA  I. 

'iVAS  in  June's  bright  and  glowing  prime, 
The  loveliest  of  the  summer  time. 
The  laurels  were  one  splendid  sheet 

Of  crowded  blossom  everywhere ; 
The  locust's  clustered  pearl  was  sweet, 

And  the  tall  whitcwood  made  the  air 
Delicious  with  the  fragrance  shed 
From  golden  flowers  all  o'er  it  spread." 

The  appearance  of  the  American  forests  in  June  is  truly 
magnificent.  The  fresh  leaves  are  so  closely  set,  and 
are  so  bright  in  hue,  as  to  cause  the  branches  to  look  as  if  clothed 
in  on  emerald  fleece.  The  laurel  thickets  are  one  sheet  of  superb 
blossom,  whilst  the  locust  and  the  whitewood  displo"  their 
white  and  yellow  flowers  in  unison  with  the  dogwood,  linden, 
and  chestnut,  as  if  the  wood  genii  had  scattered  gigantic 
bouquets  among  the  green  summits. 


STANZA  II. 


"  In  the  rich  pomp  of  dying  day 

Quebec,  the  rock-throned  monarch,  glowed." 

"  Quebec  is  from  Quebcio,  which  in  the  Algonquin  lan- 
guage signifies  contraction."  —  Charlevoix's  Kew  France. 


282  Notes. 

"  The  hotteries  niile  that  uichcd  their  way 
Along  the  clitT." 

The  fortiflcntions  of  Quebec  at  this  period  of  our  tale  (1072) 
were  very  incomplete,  consisting  of  batteries  scattered  along 
the  edges  and  ineciualitics  of  the  clilf,  with  here  and  there 
palisades  between,  and  embankiucnts  of  earth  and  stone  upon 
the  landward  end  of  the  town. 

"Beyond,  the  sweet  and  mellow  smile 
Beamed  upon  Orleans'  lovely  isle ; 

Until  tlic  downward  view 
Was  closed  liy  mountain-tops  that,  rearetl 
Against  tlie  bumiahcd  slcy,  appeared 

In  misty  dreamy  hue." 

"Tlie  river  itself  (the  St.  Lawrence)  which  is  l)etween  five 
and  six  miles  wide,  visible  as  far  as  the  distant  end  of  the 
Island  of  Orleans,  where  it  loses  itself  amid-ft  the  mountains 
tV  •  l)ound  it  on  each  side,  is  one  of  tlie  most  beautiful  oljjccts 
in  lature." —  Weld's  lYactU  in  A'orUi  America. 


8TANZA  XIX. 


"  Reared  on  the  clitf,  at  the  very  brink, 
Wlieuce  a  |>ebblc  dropped  would  sink 
Four-8t:ore  feet  to  the  slope  l)clow. 
The  castle  of  St.  Louis  caught." 

Tlie  castle  of  St.  Louis  was  built  upon  the  edge  of  a  rock 
which  fell  sheer  down  for  about  eighty  feet,  and  then  sloped 
more  gradually  until  within  a  sliort  distance  of  the  river  side. 
The  narrow  strip  of  level  ground  immediately  along  the 
river,  was  in  Ime  with  the  rock,  scattered  with  huts  and 
cabins  of  a  rude  description. 


Notes. 


288 


STANZA  XX. 

"  Opposite,  in  tho  soft  wann  light 
The  Rccollots'  steeple  glittered  bright ; 
And  tipped  with  gold  was  the  convent  by, 
Whilst  both  threw  a  mantle  of  raven  dye 

The  broad  Place  d'Armcs  across. 
That  up  to  the  massive  curtain  lay." 

"  Tho  fortress  of  St.  Louis  covered  about  four  acres  of  ground 
and  formed  nearly  a  parallelogTam ;  on  the  western  side,  two 
strong  bastions  on  each  angle  were  connected  by  a  curtain  in 
the  centre  of  which  was  a  sallyport." —  I}<»tchette's  Canadd.. 

The  castle  of  St.  Louis  stood  within  this  fortress.  "  Care 
should  be  taken,"  says  Hawkins,  in  his  Picture  of  Quebec,  "to 
distinguish  between  the  castle  and  tUc  fortress  of  St.  Louis." 

"  Twenty  paces  furtlier  we  arrive  at  two  pretty  large  squares 
or  openings.  That  on  tho  left  is  the  Place  d'Armes,  which  is 
before  the  castle  where  the  governor-general  resides.  The 
Recollets  are  opposite." —  C/i((rli'riii.v',i  Description  of  Quebec  in 
1711. 

"  The  Uecollcts'  church  is  opposite  the  gate  of  the  palace  on 
the  west  side,  looks  well,  and  has  a  pretty  high-pointed  stee- 
ple."—  Kalin's  TrneeU  in  Xorth  America. 

Both  these  authors  wrote  some  time  after  the  periods  of  our 
tale,  and  probably  the  ciirtiiin  and  bastions  which  composed  the 
fort  were  removed  before  their  visits. 

"  Immediately  in  front  of  the  castle  was  an  esplanade  or 
open  space  stillcallcd  tlie  Place  MArmes,  on  one  side  of  which 
stood  the  church  and  convent  of  the  Recollets." — IIiMkins' 
I'iefure  of  Quebec. 


STANZA  XSII. 

"  Wampum  in  varied  colors  strung." 
'  Belts  of  wampum  are  made  of  shells  found  on  the  coasts  of 


'  < 


284 


Is"0TES. 


New  Kngliuul  and  Virgiiiiii,  wliirli  nre  siiweil  out  iuto  bends 
of  an  oblong  Ibnn  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  long,  and  round 
like  other  beads.  Being  Htrung  on  leather  strips,  and  several 
of  them  sewed  neatly  together  with  Hue  sinewy  threads,  they 
then  eomposu  whit  is  termed  a  bell  of  wuminim."—  Career's 
Trail  h. 


STANZA    XXtV. 

"  The  Iroquois  in  their  dread  and  niiglil 
Rood  frowning  in  his  mental  sight." 

"  The  name  of  Iroquois  is  purely  Fri'Meh,  and  has  been 
formed  (Vom  the  term  hiro  or  hero  whieh  signities  I  have 
said,  and  by  which  these  sarages  terminate  their  discourse,  as 
the  Latins  sometimes  did  by  their  di.\i ;  and  from  kouo. 
whieh  is  a  erj-  as  well  of  dislress  when  it  is  pronounced  long, 
as  also  of  joy  wlien  they  pronounce  it  shorter." — llinMre  et 
DtScrij)tion  ililii  Noitcelle  Friinri\j)iir  !<•  P.  Ik  ClmrUvnix. 

"  Naught  in  the  woods  now  their  might  could  oppose, 
Naught  could  witli.stand  their  confederate  bh)ws; 
Banded  in  strengtli  and  united  in  soul, 
They  moved  on  tlK'ir  jourse  with  tlie  cataract's  roll." 

The  Iroquois  were  formerly  separate  nations,  and  fora  long 
time  not  only  warred  amongst  themselves,  but  were  driven 
from  point  to  j>oint  by  their  common  enemies,  the  Adiron- 
dncks,  the  llurons,  Ac.  They  at  length,  however,  for  tlie 
jiurpose  of  healing  their  own  dissensions  and  to  protect 
themselves  agahist  their  enemies,  formed  themselves  into  a 
league  or  confederacy.  By  thus  eoneenlrating  their  power, 
they  were  not  onl^-  enabled  successfully  to  resist  aggression, 
but  to  drive,  in  their  turn,  their  enemies  iM'fore  them,  the  (ire- 
arms  given  them  by  the  Dutch  assisting  thein  nnilerlally  in  so 
doing.     When  this  league  was  formed  is  uncertain.     "  I'yr- 


Notes. 


285 


laus,  a  missionary  at  tlie  ancient  site  of  Dionderoga  or  Fort 
Hunter,  writing  between  1743  and  1748,"  says  Scboolcraft  in 
his  Kotes  on  ttie  Iroquois,  "  as  tlie  result  of  the  best  conjec- 
tures he  could  form,  from  information  derived  from  the 
Mohawks,  that  the  alliance  took  place  '  one  age '  or  the  length 
of  a  man's  life,  before  the  white  people  came  into  the  country. 
Taking  1009,  the  era  of  the  Dutch  discover}',  and  estimating 
a '  man's  life '  by  the  patriarchal  and  scriptural  rule,  we  should 
not,  at  the  utmost,  have  a  more  remote  date  than  1539,  as  the 
origin  of  the  confederacy." 

STANZA  XXV. 

"Wherever  the  banner  of  Prance  was  reared. 
The  blood-thirsty  hate  of  the  braves  appeared ; 
Kindled  against  Chnmplain  when  first 
His  lightning  death  on  their  sires  had  burst." 

"The  progress  of  its  (Quebec's)  aggrandizement  was  slow, 
for  the  new  settlers,  and  indeed  Champlaiu  at  tlieir  head,  were 
not  only  so  impolitic  as  to  encourage  the  prosecution  of  hos- 
tiUties  between  the  two  neighbo  ing  nations  of  Algonquins 
(Adirondacks)  and  Irociuois,  but  even  to  join  the  former 
against  the  latter.  This  interference  drew  upon  the  French 
the  hatred  of  the  powerful  Iroquois,  and  was  the  means  of 
involving  the  whole  colony  in  a  long  and  most  destructive 
warfare,  which  at  an  early  period  rendered  some  defensive 
fortifications  necessary  to  protect  Quebec  from  the  enmity  of 
her  new  but  implacable  enemies." —  Bouchette'»  Canada. 


STANZA  XXIX. 


"  A  captive  brought  to  the  shores  of  France 
By  noble  De  Tracy  with  her  sire." 

The  governors-general  of  Canada  were  accustomed  in  those 


286 


Notes. 


days  to  send  or  take  with  thi-in  as  captives  to  France,  those 
of  the  native  race  who  had  fallen  into  tlicir  hands.  Sec  the 
histories  of  the  period. 


CANTO  SECOND. 


STANZA  II. 


"  Tlieir  Lonj?  House  extended  now,  spacious  and  high, 
Till'  l)ranclic8  its  rafters,  its  canopy  (<l<y. 
From  Co-ha-ta-fe-yah's  ftiU  oceanward  l)ed, 
To  where  its  great  bosom  Ontario  spread." 

Tlie  term  Long  House  was  used  by  the  Iroquois  sym- 
lK)lically,  to  denote  tlie  league  they  liad  fonned,  and  also  to 
descril)e  the  continuity  of  their  possessions  or  territory.  Tlie 
Long  House  was  constantly  alluded  to  by  their  orators,  and 
also  in  conversation  amongst  themselves. 

"  To  the  league  which  was  fonned  on  the  banks  of  Onon- 
daga lake,"  says  SchoolcratX  in  his  yotet  on  the  Iroqiioit, 
"  they  in  time  gave  the  name  of  the  Long  House,  using  the 
t(^nn  symbolically,  to  denote  that  they  were  tied  and  braced 
together  by  blood  and  lineage  as  well  as  political  bonds. 
Tliis  house,  agreeably  to  the  allusion  so  often  made  by  their 
speakers  during  our  colonial  histor)',  reached  itom  the  banks 
of  the  Hudson  to  the  lakes." 

"Tlie  fierce  Adirondacks  liad  tied  from  their  wrath. 
The  Hurons  been  swept  from  their  merciless  path." 

■'  Tlie  Iroquois,  after  they  confederated,  drove  the  Adiron- 
dacks from  their  ancient  hunting-grounds  around  Quebec, 
and  under  its  walls  defeated  tlie  Hurons  in  a  dreadftil  battle 
beneath  the  very  eyes  of  the  French,  who  dared  not  leave  the 


Notes. 


287 


protection  of  their  embankments  to  assist  their  allies.  They 
destroyed  the  natic  n  called  the  Eries  on  the  borders  of  the 
vast  lake  known  t  y  their  name.  They  made  the  Ottawas 
abandon  their  river,  Immbled  the  Luunl  Lenapo  or  Delawares, 
once  strong  and  powc'ful,  to  such  an  extent  as  to  force  them 
to  declare  themselves  t^  omen,  and  place  themselves  under  the 
protection  of  their  hau^Thty  conquerors,  and  at  last  carried 
the  terror  of  their  arms  bv^^n  amongst  the  distant  Illini,  Pe- 
quods,  and  even  Cherokees.'— See  Colden's  Hittory  of  the 
Five  Nations,  Schoolcraft's  Note*  on  ihe  Iroquois,  and  other 
histories  of  the  time. 

"  By  the  far  Mississippi,  the  Illini  shrank 
Wlien  tlic  tiail  of  the  Toktoise  was  seen  on  the  bank  ; 
On  the  liills  of  New  England  the  Pequod  turned  pale. 
When  the  howl  of  the  Wolf  swelled  at  niglit  on  the  galo ; 
And  the  Cherokee  shook  in  his  green-smiling  bowers, 
When  the  foot  of  the  Beak  stamped  his  carpet  of  flowers." 


"Each  of  these  nations  (tlie  Five  Nations  or  Iroquois)  is 
divided  again  into  three  tribes  or  families,  wlio  distinguish 
'  themselves  by  three  different  arms  or  ensigns  —  tlie  Toiitoisb, 
the  Wolf,  and  the  Beau."— C«We/i'»  History  of  the  Five 
Nations.  (Tliey  are  called  the  Five  Nations  by  the  English, 
and  the  Iroquois  by  tlie  Frencli). 

There  were  Ave  other  totems  than  those  mentioned  by 
Golden,  but  these  three  were  the  most  ancient  and  the  highest 
in  rank,  the  totem  of  the  Toktoise  being  the  highest  of  all, 
on  account  of  the  belief  of  tlie  Iroquois  that  the  eorth  rested 
on  the  back  of  a  tortoise. 

The  order  of  the  eight  totems  resembled  somewhat  that  of 
the  tribes  of  Israel,  amongst  which  the  tribes  of  Benjamin 
and  Judah  occupied  the  highest  grade. 

"  Tliey  (the  Five  Nations)  carried  their  arms  as  far  south  as 
Carolina,  to  the  northward  of  New  England,  and  as  far  west 
38 


288 


Notes. 


n»  the  rivpr  Misulsslppl,  over  n  vast  rountry  which  extends 
twelve  hiiiuli'od  miles  in  ieiiKtIi  troin  iiortli  to  Hotitli,  itml  nlx)Ut 
six  liuiulrcil  miies  in  ba'iultli,  wliere  lliey  entirely  destroyed 
many  natii>nn,  of  whom  lliere  nrv  now  no  aeeuimts  rrninin- 
Ing  amoni;  tlie  Kngllsh." —  Colilcn'i  llittory  of  the  Fite  Nation*. 

STANZA  V.  • 

"  The  league's  At-o-ta-ho." 

The  At-n-tiilio  ia  the  head  ehief  of  the  Iro'iuols.  The  his- 
tory oft  liix  nilfrsliii)  U  as  follows  ;— .Just  lipfore  the  formation 
of  the  eonfederaey,  ii  most  extraordinary  and  formidahle 
warrior  was  heard  of  amonf^st  the  Ouondagus.  Living  ser- 
pents eomjwsed  the  hairs  of  his  head,  whieh  so  entangled  and 
knotted  themselves  up  in  their  motions,  that  he  aeciuired  the 
name  of  Al-o-ta-lio,  meaning  entangled.  Not  only  was 
his  head  a  mass  of  writhing  reptiles,  hut  his  lingers  and  toes 
were  terminated  hy  them,  hissing  and  laimehing  out  their 
tong\ies  peri>etualiy.  So  dreadftil  was  his  aspeet  tliat  the 
very  siglit  of  him  eaused  instant  death.  Wlien  the  two  other 
projectors  of  the  allianee,  however,  visited  him,  proleeted  l)y 
Hah-wen-ne-yo  in  their  divine  mission,  they  approaehed  and 
diveste<l  him  of  his  snaky  trappings,  unharnie<l.  At  tlio 
eompletion  of  tlie  alliance  he  was  made  (irand  tSaehem  of  the 
eonfederaey,  his  two  hrelhren  suin'rnalnrally  disappearing. 
He  still  preserve<l  the  name  of  At-o-ta-ho,  and  when  he  died 
his  name  and  otllre  were  continued,  A  long  line  of  At-o-ta- 
hos  thus  suceeeded,  extending  down  in  a  regular  chain  to  the 
prtwcnt  day. 


"  "Twas  May !  the  Spring  witli  magic  bloom 
Leaped  up  from  Winter's  frozen  toud>." 

"  Scarcely  is  the  ground  cleared  of  snow  In  Cauadu,  when 


NOTKS. 


289 


ycgPtiUlon  hroftkfl  forth,  not  KnuluiiUy  ns  with  us,  Imt  with  al- 
most prL'tcrniitiiral  rnpMUy."—  Murmi/'a  lirituh  America. 

"  Thu  yacht,  tbnt  stood  with  naked  must." 

The  ynoht  wnB  a,  spccloH  of  vphspI  imirli  uwod  in  the  rivers 
nnd  lakes  of  Cnnnda  nt  thiit  period,  nnd  frequently  mentioned 
by  thu  old  writers.  It  Imd  one  high  must,  iind  niiieh  resera- 
bled  flu!  sloops  thnl  ply  on  the  Hudson  uiid  other  rivers  in  the 
United  States. 

"  Tho  brown  rosslgnoVs  carol  shrill." 

This  Is  on(^  of  the  eiirliest,  if  not  tho  earlie.sl  spring  bird  in 
Canada.    It  is  of  a  brown  color,  nnd  sings  sweetly. 

"  IIo  saw  tho  coltsfoot's  golden  head." 

"  The  coltsfoot  is  the  fli-st  flower  of  spring.  It  is  a  low,  yel- 
low, syngencsious  flower,  much  resembling  the  dandelion." — 
Oome'a  Canadian  Naturalitt. 


STASZA  VIII. 


"The  Huron  runner  of  Lorette." 

The  Hurons  of  Lorette  were  the  fast  allies  of  the  Frencli,  and 
resided  in  the  little  village  of  Lorette  u  few  miles  from  Que- 
bec. A  runner  was  a  messenger,  and  selected  for  his  speed  of 
foot  and  eiulurancc  of  hunger  and  fatigue.  These  runners 
would  frequently  travel  from  a  hundred  to  a  hundred  and 
tiiirty  miles  between  sun  and  sun. 

"  Holding  a  wampum  belt  in  sight, 
Of  braided  colors  black  and  white." 

"  Wampum  is  of  several  colors,  but  the  black  and  white  arc 


290 


NOTKS. 


chiony  uiird  ThoHP  g\ven  to  8lr  Wllll«m  Johnion  wore  In 
wviTnl  rows,  Murk  on  cnrli  slilc  and  wliltc  in  the  middli';  tho 
white  licinj;  plftccil  in  llio  contro  wan  to  I'xprcHH  ponce,  and 
that  tlio  path  between  tbcm  wm  bit  and  opou,"— L(mg'$ 
TVowii. 

"  Thftt  Yon-non-dc-yoh  uks  a  talk." 

Ton-non-do-yoh  wag  tlic  name  (fivcn  liy  tho  Iroquoli  to  tho 
Kovomor-geiicnil  of  Canada.  Hennepin  says  it  ligniflci  a 
fine  mountain. 

"  Tho  trco  of  peace  between  to  set." 

"  Tlie  tree  of  peace  i8  a  symbolic  metaphor  for  peace  itself. " 
—  La  UonUin, 


BTAKZA  X. 

"  Along  the  castle's  Iwaten  square." 

Tho  Indian  villoges  arc  railed  castlcH  l)y  the  old  writers. 
"  Their  cnstles,"  says  Colden,  "  are  ^irnerally  a  square  sur- 
rounded with  palisadoes  without  any  bastions  or  outworks." 

"  The  famous  Temple  of  the  Glow 
Extended  its  long  log-built  ft-amo." 

In  Onondaga,  Tcar-Jls-ta-yo,  signifying  the  hoiue  of  tho 
sacred  flame." 


"  Shrining  within  the  sncrcd  flame 
Whose  star  it  never  ceased  to  show." 

The  Onondaga  canton  was  the  central  one  of  the  Five  Can- 


Notes. 


291 


ton*  of  tlip  Iroquois.  Thin  Cnnton,  from  Us  position,  WM  the 
place  of  till'  ({'''itrnl  council  flro.a  sent  of  Kovcrnmont  of  tho 
nations.  Thu  castlo  or  vlllajfo  lu  Onondngn  Hollow  was  the 
particular  spot  of  this  council  lire.  Hero  It  was  kept,  accord- 
ing to  tho  histories  of  tho  period  "continually  burning." 
Tills  was  probably  a  metaphorical  term  to  show  tho  perpe- 
tuity of  tho  leBRuo,  but  I  have  chosen,  for  poetleol  purposes, 
to  consider  It  literal.  I  am  JustKled  In  thU  by  tho  fact  that 
amongst  tho  Chlppewayims  there  was  n  Are  kept  porpotuoUy 
burning,  answering  somewhat  to  the  vestal  flro  of  the  Romans, 
and  also  that  tho  Natchos  nation  presoired  a  cout^ual  fire  in 
their  sacred  temple. 

"  Tho  feast  of  union  every  year 
Renewing  by  tho  radiance  clear 
Tho  tlo  la  each  confederate's  heart," 

"  The  feast  of  union  is  a  term  used  by  the  Iroquois  to  sig- 
nify the  renewing  of  tho  alliance  between  tho  five  Iroquois 
nations.  Every  year  the  Five  Cantons  send  deputies  to  assist 
at  tho  union  feast,  and  to  smoke  lu  the  great  calumet  or  pipe 
of  the  five  nations."—  La  Ilontan. 


STANZA  XV. 

"  Once  every  year  a  glowing  brand. 
Whose  sparkles  from  the  tlame  had  birth, 

Was  borne  by  Spark  of  Sunlight's  hand 
To  every  On-on-dah-goh  hearth." 

It  was  a  striking  peculiarity  of  the  ancient  religious  Bystem 
of  the  Iroquois  that  once  a  year  tho  priesthood  supplied  tho 
people  with  sacred  Arc.  "  For  this  purpose,  a  set  time  was 
announced  for  tho  rulhig  priest's  visit.  Tlie  entire  village 
was  apprised  of  this  visit,  and  the  master  of  each  lodge  was 
expected  to  be  prepared  for  this  annual  rite.    Preliminary  to 


S8i  l^OTM. 

hlakxlKc  flro  wm  cnrvnilly  put  >»*''  tnd  mIim  urnt- 
ll," —  SthuUeriiff*  S'otfd  im  the  troi/iwi: 

"  Tlie  Itmnd  niado  red 
By  the  whlrlot)  wliicl." 

The  mode,  im  I  wiui  Inl'onucd  l)y  a  CiiyiiffA  sachrm,  of  iiiii- 
plylug  llri',  by  n  wlitrl  tiirm-d  nipldly  round. 


HTANZA   XYII. 

"  White  M  the  snow  tlio  lako-innnih  iihrd." 

The  ixdt  mnriheii  of  the  Onondagn  Inkc,  white  with  the('r}'H- 
tallzvd  Bait. 


MTANZA  XVIIt. 

"  Ills  own  rlrh  pipe  wuh  hiinK  lielow  , 
Its  howl  iind  Hlcin  one  giMiTiil  glow  ; 
With  thickly  pictured  tinl»  of  re<l, 
Tt'llhif;  of  artlunii  Htern  and  dn':td." 

The  IroquoU  warriors  covered  their  ),i  .  .a  ntn,  pip<'ii,  bowH 
and  tomuhawkx,  with  the  einlilcniH  or  rt  preHentationi)  of  their 
deedK  on  the  war-path.  Thesi' weri  ulalned  lod,  that  being 
the  favorite  wiir  ccdor. 

"  liroad  Hlnewe<l  snow-nhoca;  girdles  blue." 

The  iinow-iihfX'H  which  tlie  itavageH  uwhI,  were  calculated  to 
liear  their  weight  on  the  deep  mows  of  a  northern  winter, 
w  hen  ehaHing  tlieir  game. 

The  girdle,  or  walHtchith,  was  ant  rip  of  cloth  or  skin,  twinetl 
around  their  lohiK,  and  used  ))y  the  wtirriorH  both  on  their 
warpatlis  and  in  their  villageH. 

When  made  of  cloth  they  were  generally  of  a  iiluc  color. 


NoTEg.  208 

"  Wliii^t  from  the  (lour  a  sniiling  vprung, 
With  liuinuii  H('iil|»i  upon  li  strung." 

It  wu»  tlio  nuntoiu  of  tlio  Iru(|iiolii  lo  plant  n  long  pole  In 
their  IixIkch,  iiiul  Hiring  upon  It  the  icitlps  thuyhuil  taken  in 
tho  wiir -path. 


«TA!fZA    XXIII. 

"  Wlicnc'i'r  ill)  Ntrui  k  tlic  imttlc-post, 
Hlic  liiiiig  ili'il)(litt'il  on  iil»  lioiiHt  " 

Tlio  Iro(|Uoi8  wnrrior  on  tho  evo  of  nn  cxp'  illtlcm  nhvayi* 
dnnt'i'd  liiit  wiir-iliuuT  itround  tlio  wiir-poHt,  lidn-  ''ni;  of  lii»  ex- 
ploits, uuil  Htrlklng  ul  thu  itaiuc  tlniu  thu  pusit  ^  iih  hU  toma- 
hawk or  war-club. 


BTANZA  XXVn. 


"  Upon  tho  pU'iisunt  oiitgiilf  grcon, 
Two  HliDUting  Imnils,  tho  giitos  between, 
Wltli  their  liroad  riickets  sent  on  high 
Tho  ball  now  Hoiiring  to  tiie  sky." 

Bidl-pluylng  was  a  I'nvorlto  postimo  ainongxt  tho  Iroqoob. 

They  played  with  rackets  (which  resembled  the  tenIli^  rack- 
ets Of  the  battiedoorn  ol"  tlie  whites,  only  larger),  tlxliu  two 
sticks  upright  in  the  earth  several  Inehes  apart,  and  then  j  lant- 
iiig  similar  ones  live  or  six  hundred  paces  opposite.  'I  ese 
were  called  gates.  Tlie  art  of  the  play  consisted  in  kecpliu  the 
bail  l>y  the  aid  of  tho  rackets  continually  in  the  air,  and  fit 
passeil  or  fell  beyoiiil  the  gates,  tlie  party  or  band  whose  d  ty 
it  wan  to  keep  it  within,  lust  thu  play. 


204 


Notes. 


STANZA  XX\'ni. 

"  Ilorc  through  tlic  allcyB  warriors  bore 
Short  scarlet  cloaks  their  shoulders  o'er." 

"  Both  the  young  and  the  old  hang  upon  their  backs,  in  a 
careless  way,  a  covering  of  hide  or  seiirlet,  when  they  go 
abroad  to  walk  or  make  visits." — Ln  Ilontan. 


STANZA   XXXVIII. 

"  A  guttural  quick  '  yo-hah ! '  awoke 
From  the  dark  ring." 

"Yo-hah!  denotes  approliation,  being  a  loud  t^hout  or  cry 
eon.sisting  of  a  few  notes  pronouiiK  .1  by  the  Indiiins,  in  the 
nature  of  our  huzzas."—  CiAiku't  llUtory  of  the  Vice  A'atioiu. 


STANZA   XXXIX. 

"  Thence  to  tlic  ca-Mtle  roof  descended. 
And  bathed  in  radiant'e  pure  and  deep 
Tlie  spires  and  dw.Ilinu's  of  tlie  sleep. 
Still  downward  crept  tlie  strengthening  rays; 
The  lofty  crowded  roofs  Ik'Iow." 

"Quel)oc  is  divitled  into  the  upper  and  lower  city.  The 
merchants  live  in  the  latter  for  the  eonveniency  of  the  harbor, 
upon  which  they  have  tmilt  viTy  line  hou.ses  three  stories  high, 
of  a  sort  of  stone  that  is  liard  as  nutrble.  The  upper  or 
high  city  is  full  as  populous  and  well  adorned  as  the  lower. 
Both  cities  are  eoniniandeil  liy  a  ca.slle  that  stands  upon  the 
highest  ground.  Tlie  castle  is  tlie  resichiiie  of  the  governors." 
— Iai  lluntan't  IkKriyliun  vf  (^lubic  in  1(W4. 


Notes.  295 

"  And  Cat-a-ra-qui  caught  the  glow." 
The  Iroquois  name  for  the  river  St.  Lawrence. 

"Tlic  scattered  bastions — walls  of  stone 
With  bristling  lines  of  cannon  crowned." 

"  A  little  above  the  bastion  ou  the  right,  they  have  made  a 
bastion  in  the  rock.  There  ia  a  little  .square  fort  still  above 
this  called  the  citadel.  From  the  angle  of  the  citadel  they 
Lave  made  an  orielle  of  a  bastion,  from  whence  they  have 
nado  a  curtain  at  right  angles." —  C'harlevou's  Description. 

"  As  the  place  (Quebec)  obtained  consequence,  and  became 
an  object  of  desire  to  other  and  far  more  powerful  enemies 
than  the  native  savages,  it  was  in  the  last  mentioned  year 
(1691)  fortified  in  a  more  regular  manner  by  works  according 
to  the  rules  of  art,  built  of  stone,  which  from  that  period  have 
been  attended  to." — Boucliette's  Canadd. 

"  The  basin  glowed  in  splendid  dyes." 

"  The  wide  part  of  the  river  immediately  below  Quebec  is 
called  the  basin." —  WehT»  Travels  in  Canada. 

"  And  chequered  tints  of  light  and  sliade 
The  banks  of  Orleans'  Isle  displayed." 

"  The  island  of  Orleans  is  seven  leagues  in  length,  and  three 
in  breadth.  It  is  surrounded  with  plantations  tliat  produce 
all  sorts  of  grain." —  La  Uontan. 


STANZA  XL. 

"  A  brigantine  her  canvas  spread. 
And  as  her  sailor-songs  outbroke 
Down  toward  the  southern  channel  sped." 

'  A  brigantine  is  a  small  vessel  with  one  deck,  built  of  light 
39 


296 


Notes. 


wood,  which  piles  both  witli  onrs  nud  sails.  It  Is  equally 
Bharp  at  bow  and  poop,  and  is  built  for  a  (|uick  sailer." —  La 
Uontan. 

"  At  Quebec  the  river  divides  itself  into  two  branches.  The 
ships  sail  tlirough  the  SoutI'  channel,  for  the  North  channel 
is  BO  foul  with  shelves  and  rucks,  that  the  small  boats  can  only 
pass  that  way." — Iai  Honian. 

"  From  Skan-no-da-rio's  boundless  blue." 

"The  Iroquois  name  for  lake  Ontario,  meaning  a  very 
pretty  lake." — See  Ileniiepin. 

"  And  a  bateau  forth  slowly  slipped 

Its  little  woikIcu  anchors  tripped, 

The  boatmen  at  their  poles  low  bending." 

The  bateau  was  a  long  flat  boat  sharp  nt  both  ends,  used  to 
transport  heavy  articles  along  the  rivers  and  shores  of  the 
lakes.  They  were  propelled  by  long  polrs,  against  which  the 
Imatnien  placed  their  shoulders  and  pushed  with  all  their 
strength.  In  smooth  deep  places  they  used  oars,  and  in  the 
broad  breezy  reaches  hoisted  a  sail. 

"About  midnight  we  weighed  our  little  wooden  anchors, 
and  one  half  the  men  rowed,  whilst  the  others  were  at 
rest."  —  La  Uontan. 


BTAKZA  XLI. 

"  with  pike  and  corselet,  grim  and  scarred. 
And  measured  step,  oi.  strode  a  guard. 

Frontcnac  had  a  body  of  soldiers  who  were  immediately 
armed  around  his  person,  called  his  guards.  "  Count  Fron- 
tcnac," says  Ilennepin,  "  gave  me  two  of  his  guards,  who 
understood  very  well  how  to  manage  a  canoe,  to  carry  me  to 
Quebec."    La  Uontan  also  mentions  them. 


Notes. 

"  Couriers  de  bois  loud  chattering  went, 
Benenth  their  paclss  of  peltry  bent." 


297 


"  Couriers  de  bois,  i.  e.  forest  rangers,  are  French  or  Cana- 
desc ;  so  called  from  employing  their  whole  life  in  the  rough 
exercise  of  transporting  merchandize  goods  to  the  lakes  of 
Canadh,  and  to  all  the  other  nations  of  the  continent  in  order 
to  trade  with  the  savages."  They  exchanged  their  goods  for 
beaver  slsins,  and  ran  in  canoes  hundreds  of  leagues  up  the 
rivers  and  lakes  of  the  countrj\ —  See  La  Hontan. 

"  The  half-blood  scout,  with  footstep  light. 
Passed,  glancing  round  his  rapid  sight." 

Scouts  were  much  employed  by  the  French  at  that  period 
to  track  the  forest.    They  were  generally  half-breeds. 

"  And  rough  batcaumen,  grouped  in  bands." 

The  bateaumcn  constituted,  as  well  as  the  couriers  de 
bois,  a  distinct  class  by  themselves.  They  associated  together, 
and  were  rude  in  speech  and  manner. 


STAKZA  XLU. 


"  '  St.  Francis !  keep  it  far  away,' 
Exclaimed  a  passing  RecoUet." 

The  Rccollcts  were  monks  of  the  order  of  St.  Francis. 
They  were  the  first  priests  that  settled  in  Canada,  and  were 
employed  as  missionaries  generally  amongst  the  Indians.— 
See  Hennepin,  who  belonged  himself  to  the  order. 

"  A  rough  Carignan  settler  said." 

"  The  Carignan  Salicres  were  a  French  regiment  which  on 
its  return  from  Hungary,  was  sent  to  Canada  to  make  war 


298 


Notes. 


against  the  Iroqiiols,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  regiment, 
after  tlie  war,  rcniainoil  in  tlio  country  and  becwue  settlers." — 
Charifroix'f  ymirrUe  Frnnrf. 

T!ie  descendants  of  tliis  regiment  were  ever  afterwards,  and 
are  to  tliis  day,  called  Carignans. 

"  Hush,  Merle,  tlie  calumet  behold !" 

"  The  savages  make  use  of  iho  calumet  for  negotiations,  and 
state  affairs;  for  when  tliey  have  a  calumet  in  their  hand  they 
go  where  they  will  in  safety."—  LaJ/ontun. 

"One  with  the  calumet  may  venture  amongst  his  ene- 
mies."— Miirquftte. 

It  was,  in  fact,  the  Indian's  flag  of  truce. 

"  Passed  crouching  hut  and  building  grey." 

Quebec  in  IflOC  (the  lime  of  the  greater  portion  of  our  tale) 
consisted  of  houses  built  of  grey  stone,  interspersed  with  the 
sheds  and  cjibins  of  the  flir-traders,  hunters,  &c.,  &c. 


BTAKZA  XUIt. 

"  On  came  the  At-o-ta-ho's  treail, 
Leading  the  flic  of  his  tawny  band." 

The  Iiuliiuis  always  march  in  single  flie,  so  as  to  tread  in 
each  other's  footprint,  and  thereby  couci  al  their  numbers,  and 
also  their  trail  as  much  as  possible. 

"  A\niilst  liigh  he  lifted  in  his  hand 
That  sign  of  peace,  the  ealuniet. 
So  sacred  to  the  Indian  soul, 
WItli  its  stem  of  reed,  and  its  dark  red  bowl, 
Flaunting  with  feathers,  white,  yellow,  and  green." 

"  I  must  here  speak  of  the  calumet,  the  most  mysterious  thing 


Notes. 


299 


in  tlic  world.  The  sceptres  of  our  kings  are  not  so  mucli  re- 
spected, for  tlie  sftvngcs  Imve  sucli  a  deference  for  this  pipe 
tliat  we  may  cali  it  the  god  of  peace  and  war,  and  the  arbiter 
of  life  and  dentli.  They  adorn  it  with  feathers  of  several 
colors." —  Marquelte. 

"  The  head  is  finely  polislied ;  and  the  quill,  which  is  com- 
monly two  feet  and  a  half  long,  is  made  of  a  pretty  strong 
reed.  Tlicy  tie  to  it  two  wings  of  the  most  curious  birds  they 
find." —  Hennepin. 

"  The  red  calumets  are  most  esteemed.  It  is  trimmed  with 
wliite,  yellow,  and  green  feathers,  and  has  the  same  effect 
amongst  the  savages  that  the  flag  of  friendship  has  with  us ; 
for  to  violate  tlie  rights  of  this  venerable  pipe  is  amongst  them 
a  flaming  crime." — Iai  Ilontan. 

The  calumet  is  a  large  smol(ing-pipc  made  of  marble,  most 
commonly  of  dark  red." — CoUkn. 


STANZA  XLrV. 

"  A  short  fusee  his  shoulders  crossed." 

"  Short  and  light  fusees  are  in  use  amongst  the  savages." — 
La  Ilontan, 

"  His  head  the  bristling  scalp-lock  bore." 

"  The  Indian  warrior  shaves  liis  liciid,  with  the  exception  of 
a  long  lock  upon  the  crown,  to  facilitate  the  talcing  the  scalp, 
should  lie  fall  into  the  power  of  his  enemy. 

"  A  heron  plume  of  snow  hung  o'er, 
(Memorial  of  that  bird  that  swept 

Its  way  to  Hah-yoh-wont-hah  dread, 
And  whose  pure  plumage  long  was  kept 

To  deck  each  bravest  warrior's  head.") 

llah-yoli-wont-liah  was  one  of  tlio  three  projectors  and 
makers  of  the  league,  or  confederation,  of  the  Iroquois.  The 
otlicr  two  wore  At-o-ta-lio  and  To-gan-a-wc-tah.    The  three 


h 


B! 


300 


Notes. 


were  consiilcretl  of  pretcmnturnl  origin,  nnd  possessed  of  pre- 
ternatural qunlities.  Iliih-yoh-wont-lmh,  liowcvrr,  linil  dwelt 
long  niiiongst  them,  rlioosing  the  Onondngas  for  his  nation, 
and  Onoiidiiga  lake  for  his  residence.  Here  he  married  and 
had  a  daiiirhtcr,  who  wiis  regarded  almost  as  divine.  He  in- 
structed his  jK>ople  in  the  arts  of  hunting,  agriculture,  and  war, 
was  deepl)-  venerated,  and  at  last  i)roi)08ed,  with  the  two 
others,  the  iiirmnre.  Whilst  standing  in  the  midst  of  the  as- 
semblage of  the  Five  NiUinns  whicli  was  congregated  on  the 
shores  of  the  lake  to  join  In  the  league,  with  his  daughter  by 
his  side,  ii  rushing  soinid  was  heard,  and  a  great  white  bird 
swooped  from  the  heavens  and  fell  at  the  side  of  Hah-yoli- 
wont-lmli,  crushing  his  daughter  in  its  fall.  The  warriors 
around  liini  rushed  to  pluik  the  plumes  frcmi  the  wings  of  the 
bird  to  place  by  their  scalp-locks,  and  the  feathers  were  pre- 
served afterwards  to  adorn  the  heads  of  the  most  valiant  war- 
riors of  the  confedenicy.  When  these  feathers  l)eeamc  de- 
stroyed the  plumes  of  the  white  heron  supplied  their  places. 
In  process  of  time,  the  At-o-la-ho  alone  accpiired  the  right  to 
wear  the  wliile  heron  plume,  in  his  capacity  of  head  sacheui, 
as  well  as  head  war-chief  of  tlie  confeiicracy. 

The  name  of  this  bird  was  Sah-dah-ga-ah  in  Seneca,  and 
Hah-googhs  in  Onondaga.  The  meaning  in  both  dialects  is 
the  bird  of  the  clouds. 

"  Uehind,  his  mat  hung,  richly  dyed." 

The  Iro(iuois  warrior  always  hung  his  mat,  stained  with 
rich  colors,  at  his  back  when  equipped  fully  for  his  talks, 
or  ceremonial  visits  to  the  high  i)ersonages  of  the  white  race. 

"  And  dangling  loosely  at  his  side, 
His  i)ouch  of  rabbit  skin  was  seen." 

Tlie  pouch  held  the  tobacco  for  his  pipe.  It  was  generally 
made  of  the  whole  skin  of  some  small  animal  —  a  rabbit,  fox, 
or  the  largest  species  of  stpiirrti. 


Notes. 


301 


"His  hatchet  o'er  his  mat  wns  slung, 
Whilst  his  long  knife  before  him  hung." 

The  hatchet  or  tomahawk,  was  carried  slung  at  the  back, 
with  the  handle  up  ready  for  the  hand,  and  the  scalping-knife, 
for  the  same  reason,  was  placed  in  the  wampum  belt  before. 

STANZA  XLV. 

" '  Ilai  I  hai!'  they  sounded  oft  and  loud." 

The  cry,  Hai  I  hai !  in  the  Iroquois  language  is  the  sign 
of  peace.  "  There  was  an  Iroqueso  captain,"  says  Hennepin 
"  who,  one  day  wanting  his  bowl,  entered  into  tlie  town  of 
Montreal,  in  Canada,  crjing  '  Hai !  hai ! '  wbicli,  in  their  lan- 
guage, is  the  sign  of  peace;  he  was  received  with  many 
caresses  of  kindness." 

"  Thus  down  St.  Louis  street,  that  led 
To  the  Place  d' Amies,  all  slowly  sped." 

The  long  street  that  led  from  the  walls  of  Quebec  to  the 
square  or  Place  d' Amies,  was  called  in  Frontenac's  time,  as  it 
still  is,  St.  Louis  street. 

STANZA  XLVIII. 

"  What  doth  my  Canada  father  say  ? " 

The  governor-gcueral  was  styled  by  the  Iroquois  Canada 
father,  as  well  as  Yon-non-de-yoh. 


STANZA  XLIX. 

"  Why  should  the  Ongue  Honwce  host." 

"  The  Five  Nations  (or  Iroquois)  thhik  themselves  superior 
to  the  rest  of  all  mankind,  and  call  themselves  Ongue  Honwee, 
that  is,  men  surpassing  all  others."— C'oWe/i. 


802  Notes. 

"  Why  should  our  pathway  with  a  rlouil 
The  bravo  IIo-du-Do-goiint'  Bhruiul ! " 

The  confiHleratcd  nations,  althoii^Ii  called  Iroquoiit  by  the 
French,  never  adopted  the  name.  Tlic  name  tlicy  Ijore  among 
themselves  was  the  Ilo-du-nu-sounc,  meaning,  the  United 
People,  or  the  people  of  the  Long  House.  They  toolt  lids 
name  after  they  had  formed  themselvc!!  into  tlie  league,  so 
often  alluded  to.  The  term  Ongue  Ilouwce  was  u  plirase, 
not  a  name. 

"  From  dlstaDt  Slissilliiimkinak." 

"  The  couriers  do  bols  have  n  small  settlement  at  'Mlsgilll- 
makinak." —  I.a  Ilontun. 

"  We'll  smuke  tho  calumet  together." 

Smoking  the  calumet  together  is,  with  the  Indians,  a  sure 
sign  of  friendship. 

"  This  belt  preserves  my  words." 

"This  colier  (belt  of  wampum)  confirms  or  contains  my 
words."  This  expression  fretjuently  occurs  in  the  speeches  of 
La  Harr6  and  Gariingula,  in  their  celelmited  interview,  as 
descril)ed  by  La  i  Ionian.  "  Witliout  the  intervention  of  these 
colicrs,"  says  La  Ilontan,  "  there  is  uo  business  to  be  nego- 
tiated with  the  .savages;  for,  being  altogetlier  unaciiuainted 
with  writing,  they  make  use  of  tliem  forconlraels  and  obliga- 
tions. In  regard  that  every  c(dier  has  its  peculiar  mark,  they 
learn  from  tlie  old  persons  the  circumstances  of  the  time  and 
place  in  which  they  were  delivered." 

"  By  deeds  or  singing-birds." 
Singing-birds  mean,  figuratively,  tali;  bearers. 

"  Fusees,  to  bring  the  lleet  moose  low  ; 
Itackets,  to  hunt  him  in  the  snow." 

Fusees  were  most  generally  amongst  the  gifts  to  the  Indians. 
The  snow-shoes  -were  called,  as  well  as  the  ball-dubs,  rackets 


Notes. 


808 


by  the  French,  and  were  used  by  tlie  savages  to  hunt  the 
moose  and  deer  in  the  deep  drifts  of  llie  winter  forests. 


BTANZA  L. 

"  Wlien,  in  Ids  snowy-winged  canoe, 
First  Wallcing  Tliunder  crept  to  view." 

Wallcing  Tlmnder  was  tlie  name  given  to  Cliamplain,  by  the 
Iroquois,  on  aocount  of  tlie  fire-arms  lie  carried  wlieu  tiiey 
first  came  in  contact  with  him. 

"  Tlic  Adirondacl{  dogs  the  Icnife 

Against  my  pcopie  licid  in  strife, 

lied  ever  witli  tlieir  Wood." 

Cliamplain,  on  his  first  arrival  in  Canada,  found  the  Adi- 
rondacks  and  Irotiuois  at  war;  the  former  had  driven  the 
latter  from  their  hunting-grounds,  and  were  generally  success- 
ild  in  theh:  encounters  with  them. 

"  Beside  that  broad  and  lovely  lake, 
Where  dwells  the  prophet  of  tlie  winds." 

"  There  is  a  rock  in  this  lake  (Coricar's  lake,  or  lake  Cham- 
plain,  as  it  is  now  called),  on  wliicli  tlie  waves  dasli  and  fly  up 
to  a  great  height  when  the  wind  blows  hard.  The  Indians 
believe  tliat  an  old  Indian  lives  under  tliis  rock,  wlio  has  the 
power  of  the  winds ;  and,  tlicrefore,  as  they  pass  it  in  their 
voyages  over,  tliey  always  throw  a  pipe  or  some  other  small 
present  to  the  old  Indian,  and  pray  a  favoralile  wind."—  Golden. 

"  Herding  with  tlioso  base  dogs,  the  fires 

Of  Walking  Thunder  fiercely  flashed 
Against  tlic  liosoins  of  our  sires, 
And'to  tiie  earth  tlicir  bravest  dashed. 
Sudden,  as  when  the  liglitning's  bound 
Cleaves  the  proud  hemlock  to  tlie  ground." 
"  Monsieur  Cliamplain,  the  flrst  governor  of  Canada,  joined 
40 


804 


Notes. 


tlio  Adlrondarks  In  an  expedition  iiftnlnnt  tlio  Five  Nntions. 
Tlicy  met  n  pnrty  of  two  liumlred  men  of  tlie  Five  Nntions  in 
Corlear'g  lalce,  wldcli  tlie  Freneli  on  tliin  oeeiiitii  n  called  by 
Monsieur  Clinmplaln's  mime,  nnd  l)otli  HldeH  went  aslioro  to 
prepnro  for  Iwltle,  whieli  proved  to  tliu  (liHitdvantage  of  the 
Five  Nations.  Tlio  French  bei^nn  to  Join  Imttie;  nnd  their 
flrc-armg  gurpriicd  the  Five  Nations  so  much  tliat  they  were 
Imni.'diatcly  put  Into  confVision,  for  before  that  time  they  bad 
never  seen  such  weapons."—  CoUUh. 

"  Worriors  who  only  bowed  before 
To  Iloh-wcn-ne-yo." 

lIih-wcn-nc-yo  is  tlie  imme  of  the  Irociuois  Creator,  or 
Great  Spirit. 

■TANZA  LI. 

"  But  the  wise  Clmristoont  came. 

And  gave  theduHt  where  slept  the  flamo 

To  our  awed  sires." 

"  Charistooni,  or  the  Iron  Work<'r8.  This  wns  the  name  the 
Ii  (Uois  gave  tlic  Dutch,  occordlnR  to  tin  Rev.  J.  Megapolcn 
sic-,  the  first  clergj'man  In  Kensseloerwyck."— Sec  Moulton't 
Uutory  of  XeiB  KttherUvul. 

It  was  from  the  Dutch  that  the  Iroiiuois  first  received  fire- 
arms, ttota  which  time  they  began  their  contiuests. 


8TANZA   LII. 

"Then  the  gof)d  Charistooni  placed 
The  chain  in  Corlear's  fi-iendly  hands." 

After  the  English  conquered  the  Dutch  In  1084,  the  latter 
transferred  the  good-will  of  the  Iroquois  to  the  former.  On 
the  24th  of  September  In  that  year,  tlie  first  convention  was 
held  between  the  English  and  the  Iroquois,  and  a  treaty  ot 
peace  entered  Into  at  Albany. 


Notes. 


805 


"  It  wns  In  honor  of  Corlciir,  it  Diitchmnn,  who  wns  a  great 
favorite  wltli  th«  IiuUunH,  tliiit  the  governors  of  New  York 
were  named  Corloar  by  the  IroquoU."— Seo.SwiW*  Ilittory  of 
Neie  York. 

This  name  wa«  soon  extended  by  them  to  the  Enj^lish  gene- 
rally. 

Corlenr  was  drowned  whilst  erosslng  the  lake,  now  known 
08  Lake  Clmmplaln.  The  Indians  sold,  according  to  Colden, 
that  ho  was  drowned  for  not  only  disregarding  to  make  the 
customary  present  to  the  old  Indian  of  the  rock  (see  noto  to 
Stanza  l.),  but  absolutely  mocking  him.  The  lake  Is,  how- 
ever, to  the  present  time  called  by  his  name  by  the  Iroquois. 

"  Have  dug  the  hatchet  ttom  the  ground." 

Digging  the  hatchet  from  the  ground  means,  figuratively, 
according  to  Indian  ideas,  to  declare  war. 

"  And,  turning,  Dawn  of  Morning  throws 
Ills  hatchet,  with  a  look  that  glows 
In  glaring  ftiry,  at  his  foes." 

"  Their  (the  Iroquois)  hatchet,  in  war  time  is  slung  in  their 
girdle  behind  them  ;  and  besides  what  use  they  make  of  this 
weapon  in  their  hand,  they  have  a  dexterous  way  of  throwing 
it  which  I  have  seen  them  practice  in  their  exercises,  by 
throwing  it  into  a  tree.  They  have,  in  tills  way,  the  art  of 
directing  and  regulating  the  motion,  so  that  though  the 
hatchet  turns  round  as  it  flics,  the  edge  always  sticks  In  the 
tree,  and  near  the  place  at  which  they  aim  it." —  CcUlen, 


CANTO  THIRD. 


STANZA  III. 

"  And  now  round  flame  and  war-post  red." 
A  large  Are  is  always  kindled  whenever  the  war-dance  is  to 
bo  danced,  and  beside  it  a  post  is  planted  painted  red,  and 


800 


NoTRfl. 


callnl  Die  wnr-iHwt ;  Km)  iiroiiiul  tlicw  two  ohjfrtii  tli« ImquoU 
warriont  |H'rf<iriii  tlu>  I'ori'iiuniy. 

UTARZA  T. 

"  A  mortiM',  kIow  ifnt\ng,  wrnl." 
The  imiiK'  inoiiHi'  li*  n  corniptioii  iif  tlic  Indian  app<')tnllon 
tmiivc  ur  wiHHl-fiiU'r. 

RTA^ZA   XX. 

"TlioHc  niiiriiiKoiiiiiH!  Hwarm  nn  »«imii 
Tliriin);('ilall  the  iil^lit  iilmut  my  rorin!" 

(InntH  foiiiid  DM  the  liiinkM  nf  tin-  St.  I.iiwii'iirc  In  (rrcat 
muiiiIdtm.  Im  Ilontan  iiiciitioii!*  tlicin  ax  oliJi'itK  of  );ri'at 
aiuiD.viinci',  and  »(i  docs  Kaliii.  "  The  niariiiKoiiliiH,"  hiijh  La 
lloiitaii,  "widcli  wf  call  n)id);('i<,  arc  inxiiircralily  troiil'tpHomo 
In  all  till' countries  of  Canada.  We  were  linnntvd  with  Huch 
clouds  of  Ihcnt  timt  we  thou^dit  to  lje  cat  U|i." 

BTAS/.A    XXXI. 

" '  The  firillln,'  saj-H  one, '  wim  Htroii);  and  licet.'  " 
This  was  the  name,  aeenrdinj;  to  HeMne|iin,  of  tliii  (lr»t  ves- 
M>l  of  civili/.ed  man  that  mivi^'ated  the  ^Teat  InkrH.  It  wan 
Htted  out  for  n  voyajri"  of  discovery  under  the  command  of 
thf  celeliratcil  La  Halle;  Father  Hennepin  (who  was  one  uf 
the  nundHT  that  embarked  with  him,  says,  "  The  ithlp  was 
called  thu  (Jriflln,  alludint;  to  the  anns  of  Count  Froutenuc." 


CANTO  FOIHTH. 


"The  suutlrod  calumet  he  bore, 
Si'udln^'  its  lijfht  smoke-olferln^  o'er." 

In  the  IroquciU  douccsuf  thanksgiving  to  Huh-wen-ne-yo,  it 


^ 


Notes. 


801 


wan  rMmtiimnry  for  llif  iircKliUiiK  priest  to  prcHciit  lilni,  accord- 
ing to  Lii  lliiiitiin,  with  |>l|i<'M  of  toliiuTo  llghtwl  lit  tliu  lun. 

HTANZ.l  II. 

"  Until  tho  winm't'ii  lUppIng  llRlit, 

Wlicii  Diiwii  of  Morning,  nt  tho  head 
Of  all  liU  liruvc'H,  would,  In  ll«  night, 
Tho  danpt^  of  Iliih-wt-n-nt-yo  trwid." 
"  When  tlm  sun  Ih  nlnioHt  down,  the  wnrrlorH  niiircU  out  of 
Ihi'  village  to  dunce  the  diinee  of  the  (Jrcnt  Spirit."—  Tm  Ilontan. 

HTAN/.A   XVI. 

"  Along  tlio  rnstle'H  gnllerj', 
Over  the  vergo  of  the  roek  outHprend, 
Whenro  the  vision  roiinied  fur  nnd  tVco." 
"  A  fine  gidlery  with  ii  bidcony  runs  the  whole  length  of  the 

enstle.    It  eoninmndH  the  roiid  (Imrhor),  nnd  the  lower  city  iip- 

[Kiirs  under  your  feet." —  Chiirhroir. 

"Whilst  on  the  Imsln's  liike-llke  hrcftst, 
Was  the  long  spread  Island  in  lustre  dressed." 
"Tho  wide  part  of  the  river  Immediately  below  Quebec  Is 
cilled  the  basin."—  WeliVn  Trunin  in  CniuKhi. 

"  Hetween  the  clly  and  the  isle  of  Orleans  thorn  is  a  basin  a 
full  league  ii\  e.\tent  every  way,  into  which  the  river  8t.  Cliarlcs 
discharges  Itself." —  CharlttoU. 


HT.VSZA  XIX. 

"  Oroat  as  those  casques  the  forms  of  stone 
Displayed  —  forms  terrible,  unknown." 
There  is  a  tradiliou  anu)ngst  the  IriHiuols  that  tholr  ances- 
tors were  invaded  a  long  whiln  ago  by  giants  covered  with 
gnrments  made  of  stone.    These  invaders  were  culled  tho  Ot- 
ue-var-lie,  or  the  Stonish  Giants.    Tliey  were  very  fierce  and 


308 


Notes. 


terrible,  nnd  morooTer  rnnnibals,  devouring  men,  women, 
nnd  children,  and  depopulating  in  this  way  whole  villages. 
Against  their  stone  amior,  tho  arrows  of  the  Iroquois  rattled 
harmlessly  and  in  vain.  At  length  Ilah-wen-ne-yo  took  pity 
upon  their  distress,  and,  assuming  the  shape  of  one  of  these 
giants,  pretended  to  lead  them  in  search  of  the  Iroquois,  and 
at  night  induced  them  to  lie  down  together  In  a  hollow.  As- 
cending then  an  eminence,  he  rolletl  great  rocks  upon  them, 
and  buried  them  underneath. 


HTAKZA   XXVI. 

"  From  her  dark  hair  a  feather  sprung, 
Behind,  the  usual  roller  hung." 

The  hair  of  the  Iroquois  women  "is  rolled  up  behind  with 
a  sort  of  ribbon,"  says  La  Ilontan,  "  and  that  roller  hangs 
down  to  their  girdle." 


8TA>-Z.\   XXVIII. 

"  But  ere  our  Evil  Spirit's  ire." 

Tho  Evil  Spirit  is  brother  of  Iloli-wcn-nc-yo  the  Good 
Spirit. 

"  Ere  Kah-qua  brings  another  day." 

Kah-quB  means  the  sun.  The  Irociuois  personify  almost 
every  object  in  nature  of  iuiportante,  such  as  the  sun,  moon 
and  stars,  mountains,  &c. 


STANZA  XXXI. 

"  The  battery's  frowning  lines  she  saw." 

"  By  the  side  of  the  gallery  of  the  castle  there  is  a  battery  of 
twenty-five  pieces  of  cannon."—  CharUtoit. 


Notes. 


809 


BTANZA  XXXIII. 

"  Instant  a  ball  above  him  screeched." 

A  cannon-ball  in  passing  through  tho  air  gives  a  keen 
screeching  sound. 


CANTO  FIFTH. 

BTAKZA  II. 

"The  Bell-rock  — 
Sending  o'er  isle  and  wave  its  swell." 
Upon  tho  island  of  La  Cloche  in  lake  Huron,  there  is  a 
rock,  which,  when  struck,  yields  a  metallic  sound  like  tho  toll 
of  a  bell. 

The  Indians  look  upon  tho  spot  as  subject  to  supernatural 
influences,  and  have  a  great  ninny  superstitions  and  traditions 
connected  with  the  rock. 

BTANZA  VI. 

"  Take  the  war-wampuni !  my  command 
Bear,  that  the  hatchet  through  the  land 
Unburicd  bo  against  my  foe ! " 

The  wampum  belt  is  a  sign  of  war  as  well  as  of  peace,  and 
is  sent  by  means  of  a  runner  amongst  those  who  are  to  be 
notified  of  the  expected  hostilities,  so  as  to  rouse  them  against 
the  common  enemy.  Tho  sight  of  this  mute  messenger  is 
well  understood. 

It  is  also  sent  to  the  tribes  against  whom  the  hostilities  are 
to  be  directed,  to  inform  them.  Tlie  unburying  the  hatchet 
is,  as  before  explained,  a  figurative  expression  denoting  a 
declaration  of  war. 

BTANZA  XII. 

"  in  the  trail 


Between  us  sharp  thick  briers  prevail." 
'  There  are  briers  in  the  trail  between  us,"  is  the  metaphori- 


m 


310 


Notes. 


cal  expression  of  the  sarngps  to  signify  tliot  difficulty  niid 
trouble  arc  between  two  tribes. 

STANZA  XV. 

"  His  arqucbusc  rusting  for  years  in  its  nook." 

The  arqucbuse  was  a  clumsy  hand-gun,  the  pioneer  of  our 
musket,  and  was  used  in  the  wars  of  that  period. 

STANZA  XVI. 

"  The  summer  sun  was  sinking  bright 
Behind  the  woods  of  Isle  Perrot ; 

Back  lake  St.  Louis  gleamed  the  light 
In  rich  and  mingled  glow." 

Islo  Perrot  is  situated  in  the  upper  or  western  part  of  lake 
St.  Louis,  where  the  Ottawa  river  empties  into  the  lake.  The 
lake  itself  stretches  its  expanse  to  the  westward  of  Lachine, 
which  is  situated  upon  a  smuli  bay  of  tlic  former. 

"  The  slanting  radiance  at  Lacliine 
Shone  on  an  animated  scene." 

Larhino  was  the  place  where  Frontcnac  assembled  his  army, 
and  whence  he  embarked  on  his  e.\]>edition  against  the  Iro- 
quois.—  See  the  histories  of  the  period. 

STANZA   X\1II. 

"  Beneath  were  the  griffins  of  Frontenac  gleaming 
In  gold,  on  the  breast  of  a  pennon  outstreamiug." 

"  The  anns  of  Count  Frontenac  have  two  griffins  for  sup- 
porters."—  Hennepin. 

STANZA   XIX. 

"  The  sunset  tints  from  tlie  lake  witlidrew, 
And  now  on  the  broad  expanse  was  seen. 

Here  rough  Ottawa's  tawny  hue, 
There  Cataraqui's  splendid  green."  .  ' 


Notes. 


311 


This  is  a  rcmarliable  siglit.  The  Ottawa  daslics  into  the  St. 
Lawrence  with  such  force  and  volume  that  the  discoloration 
of  its  waters  is  seen  for  a  great  distance,  in  contradistinction 
to  tiie  pure  beautiful  green  of  the  river  which  receives  it.  It 
seems  as  if  the  latter  shrank  from  the  contact,  to  protect  its 
purity  as  long  as  possible  from  the  pollution  of  the  stranger. 

STANZA  XXI. 

"  Dc  Nonville  sought 
Our  Seneca  foenicn !" 

Several  years  previous  to  Frontenac's  expedition  De  Non- 
ville, the  immediate  predecessor  of  the  former,  made  a  descent 
upon  the  Iroquois,  which  proved  disastrous  to  him. 


CANTO  SIXTH. 


STANZA  I. 

"  Along  an'Indian  trail,  that  traced 
Its  deep  seam  through  these  forests  vast." 

The  trails  of  the  Iroquois,  in  tlie  time  of  their  power,  wound 
in  every  direction  of  their  Long  House,  and,  trodden  for  cen- 
turies, were  worn  deeply  in  the  earth.  In  some  places  they 
were  worn  three  or  four  loot  deep,  and  were  quite  narrow. 
Dr.  Wilson,  a  Cayuga  cluef,  told  me  that  he  had  seen  parts  of 
these  trails  sunk  knee-deep  in  the  ground,  with  large  trees 
growing  in  them. 

STANZA  XV. 

"  At  length  a  warrior  rose,  Ids  breast 
Bearing  a  snake  tattooed,  its  crest 
And  forked  tongue  ready." 

Tlie  Iroquois  warriors  were  in  the  habit  of  tattooing  upon 
41 


;r 


i 


1*1 


812 


Notes. 


their  skin  their  individuat  totcui,  which  was  generally  the  sign 
of  some  beast,  bird  or  reptile.  This  was  In  addition  to  the  to- 
tem of  their  clan  or  family. 

BTAMZA   XIX. 

"  In  time  of  iinows  o«r  old  men  tell 
How  by  our  sires  the  Eah-kwalis  fell." 

The  Kah-kwahs  were  an  Indian  nation  residing  on  the  banks 
of  Buffalo  creek,  which  was  called  by  the  Iroquois  Dc-o  sc-o- 
wah,  or  the  place  of  basswoods.  They  were  defeated  in  a 
great  battle  near  where  their  chief  village  was  situated,  by  the 
Senecas,  who  took  possession  of  the  locality,  reared  tlicir  own 
village  upon  it,  and  made  it  the  scat  of  tlieir  govemnieut  or 
council  fire.  "  It  is  a  site,"  says  Schoolcraft,  "  ivround  which 
the  Senccas  have  clung  as  if  it  marked  an  era  in  their  national 
history." 

"De-o-se-o-wah'p  huts  within." 

The  Scnecas  called  their  village  mentioned,  De-o-se-o-wah. 

STANZA   XXI. 

'  Quick  it  spread, 
'Till  every  (juarter  pealed  it  out." 

The  Iroquois  \illage8  were  divided  into  quarters  or  districts. 

8TANZA  XXII. 

"  Makes  clustered  apple-orchards  bright," 

Remains  of  the  apple-orchards  of  the  Cayugas  arc  still  seen 
in  the  neighborhood  of  the  village  of  Aurora,  which  itself  oc- 
cupies the  site  of  the  chief  village  of  the  nation,  whicli  was 
called  Ko-lah-uc-kah.  The  trees  are  mossy,  and  gnarled,  and 
not  inapt  emblems  of  the  race  whose  fathers  planted  and  reared 
them. 


Notes. 


313 


STANZA  XLYII. 

"  Earth,  we  thank  thee !  thy  great  frame 
B(Mir8  the  stone  from  whence  we  came." 

The  Oneidns  deduce  their  origin  from  a  stone.  They  call 
themselves  Oneota-aug,  people  sprung  from  a  atone. 

"  This  stone,"  says  Schoolcraft  in  his  Notes  on  the  Iroquois, 
"  is  in  Stockbridge,  Madison  county,  New  York.  It  lies  on  a 
very  commanding  eminence,  from  which  the  entire  Oneida 
creek  valley,  as  far  as  tlie  Oneida  lake,  can  be  seen  in  a  clear 
atmosphere.  There,  in  stclusion  from  their  enemies,  the  tribe 
expanded  and  grew  in  numbers.  Time  and  usage  rendered 
the  object  sacred,  and  as  tliey  expanded  into  nationality  and 
power  wliile  located  around  it,  their  sages  asserted  with  meta- 
phorical truth  that  they  sprung  from  this  rock. 

"  It  is  a  large  but  not  an  enormous  boulder  of  syenite  of  the 
erratic  block  group,  and  consequently,  geologically  foreign 
to  the  location.  There  are  no  rocks  of  tliis  species  in  situ,  I 
believe,  nearer  to  it  than  the  Kayaderosseras,  or  the  Adiron- 
dack mountains." 

STANZA  LVII. 

"  Men  of  blood  1" 
The  Mohawks  were  an  exceedingly  fierce  and  warlike  na- 
tion.   Tliey  were  a  terror  to  tlieir  cneniios  for  a  great  distance, 
and  were  luiown  by  the  appellation  of  men  of  blood.    This 
title  WU8  a  source  of  great  pride  to  them. 

"  Away !  stem  Bears ! " 

The  word  Moliawk  is  supposed  to  be  derived  from  the 
Mohcgnn  word  Muk-wa,  a  bear. 

The  Mohawk  chiefs,  in  tlieir  speech  at  Albany,  in  1690, 
sympathizing  with  the  wliites  on  tlie  burning  of  Schenectady, 
said,  according  to  Coldcn,  "  We  are  all  of  tlie  race  of  the  bear ; 
and  a  bear,  you  know,  never  yields  while  one  drop  of  blood  is 
left.   We  must  all  be  bears ! " 


I 


814 


NOTilS. 


CANTO  SEVENTH. 


STANZA  I. 

"Tlio  boavcrs  pliingi'd  within  each  mnd-bullt  hut, 
As  through  their  dam  of  trees  a  path  was  cut." 

"  As  we  came  down  the  river  (Wood  Creclt)  tlie  dyltes, 
fomied  of  bmnclipg  and  clay,  wliicli  the  beavers  had  made  in 
it,  produced  new  ilifBcullies.  We  could  not  get  forward  with 
the  boat  till  we  had  cut  through  them." — Kalm's  Trntelt  in 
yorlh  Amerifii. 

"  Ilii  I  look,  proud  Frontenac  1  upon  yon  tree 

The  huuj;lity  saviigo  btill  castji  scorn  at  thco  ! 
Drawn  on  lis  naked  wwid  In  tints  of  red, 
Thou,  with  the  warriors  of  thy  host,  art  spread ; 
Whilst  at  the  roots  tlie  bundled  nishes  show 
The  stern  detlancc  of  tliy  tawny  foe !" 

"The  army  moved  slowly  along  the  Oswego  river.  They 
found  a  tree  as  thry  passed  along,  on  which  the  Indians  had, 
in  their  manner,  [minted  the  Fn'nch  army,  and  had  laid  by  It 
two  bundles  of  cut  rushes.  This  was  a  defiance  In  the  Indian 
manner,  and  to  tell  them  by  the  number  of  the  rushes  that 
fourteen  hundred  and  thirty-four  men  would  meet  them." — 
Golden. 


8TAKZA  II. 

"  Broader  gleamlngs  upon  them  break, 
Tlirough  the  thick  forest— 'the  lake,  the  lake!'" 

Tlds  was  Onondaga  lake,  tlirough  which  Frontenac  pa.s8cd 
wtth  his  flotilla,  and  encamped  upon  it.s  borders  near  where 
the  Onondaga  creek  joins  the  lake,  and  dose  to  the  celebrated 
salt  llcka. 


Notes. 


815 


"  Along  the  margin,  a  tract  of  white 
Glitters  like  silver  beneath  the  light ; 
A  shout  went  up  — were  tlic  old  dreams  true? 
Was  treasure  there  flashing  its  dazzling  liuef  " 

"  About  this  time  (lOtlO)  a  party  of  Spaniards,  consisting  of 
twenty-three  persons,  arrived  at  tlie  village,  having  for  guides 
some  of  tlie  Irotiuois,  who  had  been  taken  captives  by  some 
of  the  southern  tribes.  They  had  been  informed  that  there 
was  a  lake  to  llie  north  whoso  bottom  was  covered  with  a 
substance  shining  and  white,  which  they  took  from  the  Indian's 
description  to  be  silver.  Having  arrived  at  Onondaga  lake 
and  the  French  village,  and  finding  no  silver,  they  seemed 
bent  on  a  quarrel  with  the  Frcncli,  whom  they  charged  with 
having  bribed  tlie  Indians,  so  that  tlicy  would  not  tell  there, 
where  the  silver  might  be  found."— i>«  Witt  Clinton's  Mcinoir 
on  the  Antiquities  of  Western  KeiD  York. 

ST.VNZA  m. 

"  One  blaze  of  silver  Gnr-noh-gwe-yoU  glows." 

This  is  the  Onondaga  name  for  the  Onondaga  lake,  accord- 
ing to  a  sachem  of  the  same  nation,  known  to  the  whites  as 
Colonel  Silversmith.  Ills  Indian  name,  however,  is  Ho-no- 
we-na-to,  keeper  of  the  records,  which  title  he  bears  in  accord- 
ance with  the  laws  of  the  Iroquois,  which  makes  the  sachem- 
ships  descend  from  father  to  son,  like  the  titles  of  nobility 
amongst  the  wliites.  Ilo-no-we-na-to  is  a  respectable  looking, 
grey-liaired  man,  introduced  to  me  bj-  my  friend  Dr.  Wilson. 
In  the  course  of  our  interview  he  sang  a  war-song  for  me. 


STANZ*  V. 


"  Tlie  Mohawk,  oldest  brother,  keeping 
AVatch  the  Long  House's  east  porch  o'er." 

The  Mohawks  wore  considered,  according  to  Cusick  and 
Schoolcraft,  as  the  oldest  brothers,  and  were  appointed  to  keep 


816 


Notes. 


a  watch  towards  tlic  sunriso.  Tlipy  were  called  by  tlio  rest  of 
the  confederacy,  wltli  reference  to  their  locality,  Do-do-o-gab, 
meaning  mesoage- bearers. 

''  The  fierce,  wild  Hcneca,  unsleeping, 
Making  his  breiut  the  western  Door. 
The  Sonccas,  according  to  Dr.  Wilson,  arc  not  the  Door- 
ktepem  of  the  Long  House,  but  the  Tfeor  itwlf.    They  were 
called  Swnn-ne-ho-ont,  meaning  the  door  on  the  liingc.    A 
single  Seneca  was  called  7/u-ne-ho-ont. 

STANZA  VI. 

••  Of  the  eight  lotenis,  one  each  breast 
Displayed  in  l)lue  tattoo  inipressetl." 
The  confederacy  was  subdivided  into  eight  distinct  clans  or 
fiiniilies,  without  reference  to  the  five  trilial  distinctions. 
These  su'iMlivisions  were  distinguished  l>y  eij,'lit  totems,  viz : 
the  Tortoise,  Bear,  Woif,  Crane,  Snipe,  Deer,  Heaver,  and  Hawlc, 
of  which  tlie  first  three,  as  l)efore  olwcrved,  (see  Stanza  ii, 
Canto  ii),  were  tlic  higliest  in  ranli.  Tliese  totems  were  tat- 
tom-d,  in  addition  to  their  individual  ones,  upon  the  naked 
skin;  generally  ujion  the  breast. 

"  Wliile  frequently  was  seen  the  mark 
Of  the  IIo-soNT-KOii  next  the  oilier, 
■\VIiich  none  de<'iphered  liut  a  brotlier; 
Onler  mysterious,  secret,  dark  !" 
The  Ilo-nont-koh,  or  secret  order  of  the  Irotpiois.    Tills  was 
an  order  answering  to  our  Masonic  institution.    It  was  secret, 
the  members  iKxind  by  the  closest  ties.    Its  otijccts  have  never 
transpired.    Tlieir  sign,  according  to  Dr.  Wilson,  was  a  stripe 
tattooed  upon  the  skin. 

STANZA   VIII. 

"  Was  the  league's  coat  of  amis  displayed." 
Tho  coat  of  amis  described  in  this  stanza  was  given  me  by 


Notes. 


817 


my  friend,  Ely  B.  Parker,  a  young  Seneca  of  great  intelligence 
and  talent. 


"  Upon  his  breast  the  totem  of  the  Beak." 
The  At-o-ta-ho  of  the  confederacy  belonged  to  the  clan  of 
the  Bear. 

BTANZA  XI. 

"  Till  the  first  ring  of  braves  was  springing 

■Wildly  around,  nil  wildly  Binging." 
This  was  the  Was-sas-sa-o-nah,   or  Osage  war-dance;  so 
called  from  its  having  been  borrowed  by  the  Iroquois  from 
the  Osage  nation.    It  is  more  expressive  than  their  own  war 
dance. 

8TAHZA  XVI. 

"  And  braves  whose  deeds  amidst  their  enemies 
Were  traced  In  crimson  on  the  annal-trces." 
The  Iroquois  represent  on  trees  peeled  of  their  bark,  in  red 
colors,  tlielr  expeditions,  the  deeds  of  their  warriors,  the 
scalps  taken,  »&c.  "  These  trees,"  says  Colden,  "  are  the  annals 
of  the  Five  Nations.  I  have  seen  many  of  them,  and  by  them 
and  their  war-songs  they  preserve  the  history  of  their  achieve- 
ments." 

"  Some 
Striking  the  war-post." 
Striking  the  war-post  means  that  those  doing  so  arc  fitted 
to  be  warriors. 

BTANZA  XX. 

"How  often  has  the  Great  Wliite  Bird 

Seen  us  returning  from  our  path 
Loaded  with  scalps,  and,  joyful,  heard 

The  songs  that  told  ou.-  warrior  wrath  I" 
This  is  the  bird  of  the  Great  Spirit,  and  is  several  times 


K  I 


ili 


ml 


318 


Notes. 


nlliuU'd  to  ill  llic  poem.  It  tiikos  nolo  of  tlio  Iroquois  wnrrlorn 
returning  IVdiii  tlir  wiir-palli  witli  «iilps,  luid  bciirs  tlicir 
iinnicM  lo  lliili-wi'u-ne-yo,  tlie  iiniuu  of  tlicUri'ut  ttpirlt  of  the 
Iroquoia. 

STANZA  XXIII.  , 

"  From  ITnli-mliV  drifl-w<M)il  Hlronni,  to  where 
Till!  Pc(iu(h1h  on  tlie  salt  waves  Muil." 

Ilab-rah  is  tlic  Mohawit  name  for  Scliolmric  creek,  meaning 
ilrift-wood,  from  tlie  i|uuntitius  of  floating  trees  ami  bruncUes 
that  were  in  it. 

Tlie  Mohawks  extended  their  eonque.sts  to  the  Hea-sidc  In 
an  easterly  direetion,  overeoniiiig  the  I'eipiods,  who  were  the 
largest  and  most  formidable  of  the  tribes  in  that  direction. 

BTANZA   XXIV. 

"  Last,  On-on-dab-gahs !  always  true! 
Proud  people  of  the  hills ! " 

The  Onondagas  were  called  among  the  ronfedcracy,  the 
people  of  the  hills,  the  word  On-on-dah-gali,  meaning  lite- 
rally in  Iroquois,  on  the  hill. 

"  Oft  has  De-kan-c-8o-ra's  voico 
Of  music  made  your  souls  rejoice; 
If  from  Sken-ct-ta-da  his  speech." 

De-kan-e-so-ra  was  an  Onondaga  sachem,  living  at  the 
period  of  our  tale,  and  was  very  celebrated  as  an  orator. 
Colden  fre<|uently  mentions  bini.  and  said  tlial  "  he  resembled 
much  the  bust  of  Cicero."  He  generally  represented  the 
Onondagas  at  the  conventions  at  Albany,  Iictween  the  Iro- 
quois and  the  Englisli,  and  was  very  fre<iucntly  there.  Skcn- 
cc-ta-du  was  the  Irwpiois  name  for  Albany, 

"  Heart  of  the  Icagtie." 

The  Onondaga  canton  was  the  central  one  of  the  confede- 
racy. 


Notes. 


810 


STANZA  XXXIV. 

"  Like  the  blind  rattlesuake,  will  yc 
With  your  sliurp  fangs  your  own  flesh  tuur  I " 
The  rattlesnake,  at  a  certain  period  of  the  year,  becomes 
blind.    It  la  then  more  ferocious  thon  ever ;  and,  If  attacked. 
In  rage  at  not  being  able  to  see  Its  enemy,  It  will  strike  Its 
fangs  ln*o  Us  own  flesh. 

STANZA  XXXV. 

"  The  combat  also  had  renewed 
Suspicion  of  the  llo-nont-koh  sway." 

The  order  of  the  Ho-nont-koh  was  always  regarded  with 
suspicion  by  those  of  the  Iroquois  who  were  not  members  of 
It.  To  this  day  some  of  them  assert  It  was  instituted  for 
wicked  purposes. 

BTANZA  XXXVII. 

"  From  yon  tall  plni  the  feeblest  cyo 

Can  view  the  wotcrs  of  the  lake 
Where  the  three  wise  ones  formed  the  tie." 
Onondaga  lake,  from  which  the  chief  village  of  the  Onon- 
dagos  was  situated  only  some  five  or  six  miles,  was  the  spot 
where  the  league  was  formed  under  tlic  direction  ond  super- 
intendence of  Ilah-yoh-wont-hah,  At-o-ta-ho,  and  To-gan-a- 
we-tah. 

"  Whose  records  ye  at  feasts  have  h.  ard 
Ilo-no-we-na-to  oft  repeat." 

The  only  records  of  events  which  the  Iroquois,  as  a  peo- 
ple, possess,  are  the  records  of  that,  by  far  the  most  important 
epoch  of  their  history,  the  formation  of  their  confederate .  A 
sachem  of  the  Onondagas  was  appointed  to  keep  them,  called 
Ho-no-we-na-to  (meaning  literally  keeper  of  the  records),  and 
at  feasts,  and  other  Important  assemblages  either  of  the  nation 
or  whole  league,  he  was  accustomed  to  repeat  them  for  the 
42 


1 


8S0 


Notes. 


Infonimtion  of  liig  lioarrn,  niul  to  Irmtll  In  them  love  and  tcdc- 
ration  fur  the  runfcdcracy  iUi'lf  aiul  the  ol)Jrctii  of  It. 

"  And  ft-om  «tcni  Yon-nnndr-yoh  (ly 
As  t(  lie  wiTi'  the  O-yal-kluT  Murk 
Coming  on  hia  dcvouriiiK  truck. 
No !  when  he  cumcf),  yi'Ml  \tc,  oh  braves ! 
Like  thut  bold  rreature  fToni  the  waves, 
Thut  rose  imd  made  the  enemy, 
Fierre  an  he  was,  hack,  bleeding,  flee." 

"  Humors  1>egan  to  lie  rifo  of  the  oppi'arnncc  of  an  extraor- 
dinary niid  feriK'loiis  animul  In  vttrloim  pliu cs,  under  the  nnme 
of  the  great  ()-yalkher,  or  Mammoth  Hear.  One  nmrnlng 
while  a  party  of  hunters  were  In  their  ciinip,  neiir  the  bunks 
of  a  lake  In  the  Oneida  country,  tliey  were  alnnned  l>y  u  great 
tumult  breaking  out  IVom  the  hike.  Ooing  to  see  tlio  cause  of 
this  extraordiniir}'  noise,  they  saw  the  monster  im  the  ))auk 
rolling  down  ftoncs  and  lugs  into  the  water,  and  exiiiblting 
the  utmost  signs  of  rago.  Another  great  animal,  of  the  cat 
kind,  with  great  paws,  came  out  of  the  water  and  seixiHl  the 
bear.  A  dreadlUl  light  cnsue«l :  and  in  the  end,  the  bear  was 
worsted,  and  retired,  horribly  lum«l,"—  iyAootcntfVt  h'ota  on 
the  In>quoi». 


rtkxzA.  XXXIX. 

"  Bravest  liear  again  tlie  words  of  dread, 
By  bright  To-gima-wel«h  said, 
A  liuniired  liundred  moo'  ih  ago !  " 

To-gan-a-we-tah  was  regarded  by  the  Iroquois  as  a  preter- 
natural iH-ing ;  he  Is  detwrilMHl  as  a  young  man  of  a  rimarka- 
biy  t)eautif\d  person,  so  licantifNil  that  Itah-wen  iie-y  >  himself 
might  envy  him-  - -ry  goo«l  and  vcrv  wise.  11.-  was,  as 
before  stated,  one  of  the  three  makers  of  the  l)i>«guo,  and 


Notes. 


821 


nppoiirt'd  Hiiddcnly  nmlilst  the  pcnplu,  Jiiat  before  tlie  flKitntlon 
of  ilif  Muhjcct,  no  oiii'  knowliix  wlit'iKT  Ik^  ciimi'.  After  the 
fi>rinjitii>n  of  tUn  confedi^ntoy,  Uv  uttervd  the  following  extra- 
ordlnnry  propliwy.  Hnld  he,  "  When  the  white  throat* 
Hhall  eome,  then,  if  ye  are  divided,  you  will  pull  ilown  the 
Lr)!!);  IIouHe,  cut  down  the  tree  of  peace,  and  put  out  the 
council  dre." 

ThcHo  words  (jflven  to  me  hy  Dr.  WlUon,  on  Iroipiola  chief, 
lis  hefor(^  Htated,  m  the  literal  prophecy)  niiido  a  deep  and 
hiHtinf^  linpreMloM  upon  the  niliidM  of  all  who  heurd  them. 
To-gnn-it-w(!-tah,  iih  hoou  uh  he  hnd  uttered  the  prophecy, 
disappeared  u»  nuddcnly  iih  he  apix'ared,  and  wuh  Hcen  no 
more,  hut  hU  prophecy  was  remeniliered. 

The  IroipiolH  had  never  heard  of  the  cxiHtence  of  the  whites, 
and  could  not  therefore  understand  what  the  term  white 
throats  meant.  They  kept  looking  out,  however,  from  that 
time,  during  generations,  for  the  appearance  of  the  ohjects 
descrilHid  In  the  saying,  and  when  the  white  men  came,  they 
>  discovered  at  last  the  meaning  of  the  words.  How  the  pro- 
phecy has  been  Adflllcd,  Is  now  u  matter  of  history. 


STANZA  XhV. 


"  'Twould  come  like  that  swift  bird  "''  -now. 

By  the  (Jrcat  Hplrlt  sent  to  soy, 

To  Ilah-yoh-wont-hoh, '  Come  away ! ' " 

(See  note  to  Stonzo  xllv..  Canto  ii.)  This  bird  was  supposed 
l)y  the  Iroquois  to  have  been  sent  liy  lluh-wen-nc-yo  to  tell 
Ilah-yoh-wont-hah  that  his  missinit  being  accomplished  be 
must  return  to  tlie  hapjiy  hunting-grouuds. 

"  And  woiting  thy  lov'd  presence  there 
The  unfailing  strawberri-  will  prepare." 

The  Iroquois  believe  that  when  they  reach  the  happy  hunt- 


322 


Notes. 


ing  grounds,  the  Great  Spirit  will  provide  for  them  the  moBt 
delicious  fruits  linown  to  their  woods,  chief  of  which  will  be 
the  strawberry.  One  large  berry  of  the  latter  will  be  placed 
l)cfore  each,  divided  into  four  parta  which,  as  fast  as  they  are 
consumed,  will  be  successively  rcnewe<l,  thus  making  one  un- 
failing and  eternal  strawberry  for  the  recipient's  use. 

"  Thy  feet  by  day 
Be  like  the  tireless  moose's  way ; " 

La  Hontan  relates  that  the  Indians  told  him  "  the  moose 
could  trot  three  days  and  nights  without  intermission." 


BT.VSZA  XLVII. 

"  One  pearly  cloud  was  melting  there 
Like  Ilah-j-tih-wont-hah's  white  canoe, 

Wlion  upward  tlirough  the  summer  air, 
lie  vanished  from  the  people's  view 

Amid  the  sky's  triumphal  strain, 

Its  welcome  to  his  home  again." 

The  traditions  of  the  Iroquois  concerning  the  three  fVamcrs 
of  the  leagtic  ore  exceedingly  interesting  and  romantic. 
After  the  accomplishment  of  tlie  confederacy,  To-gan-a-we- 
tah,  as  before  remarked,  on  the  delivery  of  his  extraordinary 
prophecy,  suddenly  disappeared,  ond  was  supposed  to  have 
returned  to  the  heavens,  whilst  Ilah-yoli-wont-hali  was  seen 
by  the  assembled  multitude  to  ascend  amidst  bursts  of  the 
sweetest  melody,  in  a  snow^-white  canoe  which  had  suddenly 
shot  down  ftcim  the  sky,  rising  higher  and  higher,  until  he 
melted  away  in  tlie  upper  distance.  At-o-ta-ho  alone  re- 
mained to  phtce  himself  at  the  head  of  the  confederacy,  and 
leave  his  name  and  authority  to  a  long  line  of  successors. 


Notes. 


328 


CANTO  EIGHTH. 


BTANZA  in. 


"  Upon  their  creaking  wheels  the  cannon  rolled, 
Jolting  o'er  roots,  or  sinking  in  the  mould ; 
In  a  carved  chair  behmd,  amidst  a  throng 
Of  nobles  Frontenac  was  borne  along," 

"  The  Count  do  Frontenac  was  carried  in  a  chair  directly- 
after  the  artillery."—  Colden. 

"  Still  on  they  struggled,  ranks  and  files  were  lost, 
And  as  chance  willed  it,  strode  the  motley  host." 

"  It  was  impossible  to  keep  order  in  passuig  through  thick 
woods,  and  in  passing  brooks."—  Colden. 


STASZA   TV. 

"  That  startled  deer !  how  fiercely  doth  he  beat 

With  his  black  hoofs  the  earth— hark,  hark,  how  shrill 

His  whistle! 

The  American  deer,  when  suddenly  startled,  stamps  with 
his  fore-feet  violently,  and  gives  birth  to  a  shrill,  whistUng 


STAUZA  XII. 

"  Slow  sauntering  onward  went  a  musketeer, 
His  huge  piece  slung  within  his  bandoleer;" 

The  bandoleer  was  a  strap  attached  to  the  person,  and  used 
to  support  the  weight  of  the  ponderous  musket  of  those  days. 
This  name  was  also  given  to  a  strap  slung  around  the  shoulder 
containing  ciiarges  of  ammunition. 


824 


Notes. 


CANTO  NINTH. 

STANZA  XVni. 

"  And  in  the  bright  hunting  grounds  waiting  kirn,  he 
Was  scenting  the  feast  of  the  strawljerry." 

When  an  Iroquois  is  dying  with  a  calm  and  tranquil  coun- 
tenance, those  around  him  say,  "  he  is  scenting  tlie  strawlwrry 
ofthc  Great  Spirit!" 


